Arsenal 0-0 Chelsea
by Tashan Alleyne-Deniran
at Ashburton Grove

Chelsea moved a step closer to clinching the Premier League title after a goalless draw against Arsenal in north London yesterday afternoon.

The game is likely to be remembered for the four penalty claims that were turned away in the first half, with three of those coming from the visitors, but in the end both sides had to settle for a fair share of the points.

It was Jose Mourinho’s side that went agonisingly close to opening the scoring in the 15th minute when Oscar, playing in an unfamiliar centre forward role, broke the offside trap and lobbed the ball over David Ospina but thankfully for the hosts Hector Bellerin was on guard to prevent his side from going a goal down.

In the immediate aftermath of that incident the Chelsea bench strongly believed they should have been awarded a penalty for Ospina’s challenge which left the Brazilian midfielder needing treatment.

Arsenal felt they should have had a penalty of their own 10 minutes before the break as Santi Cazorla’s goalbound effort looked as if it was blocked by the outstretched arm of Gary Cahill but the referee waved away any appeals of a spot-kick.

Ramires should have broken the deadlock after being put clean through on goal by Willian but the midfielder produced a weak effort from close range which was easily saved by Ospina, then at the other end Alexis dragged a shot wide as the game began to liven up with the interval looming.

With both sides wary of making one mistake that could lead to a goal, the second half was more a cagey affair with neither goalkeeper being called into action, although some brilliant last-ditch blocks from the Blues defenders were vital.

Per Mertesacker had the best chance of the second period as a corner wasn’t dealt with by the Chelsea and the ball dropped for the German but he could not steer his shot on target, as the hosts pressed for a late winner but couldn’t break down a stubborn Blues defence.

Arsene Wenger’s winless record against Mourinho now extends to 13 games and the Portuguese manager is yet to concede a goal against the Gunners since his return to England.

The Blues travel to a resurgent Leicester City side on Wednesday night and could be crowned champions by the next time the Gunners are in action against relegation threatened Hull City at the KC Stadium a week on Monday.