The London Derby took place at the Emirates as Arsenal attempted to get as close as possible to Chelsea on the league table. This was also a special game for Cesc Fabregas, as he was returning to the Emirates stadium after leaving in 2011.
Arsenal started to dominate the first half as Chelsea kept back waiting for Arsenal to make a mistake and take advantage in a counter attack or a set piece. Chelsea had two very good opportunities in the first half that were not finished by the blues. There was also three controversial penalty plays that were called correctly by the referee.
Minute 15′, Cesc Fabregas launched a ball over the top to find Oscar, who then let the ball bounce and hit it over David Ospina. Unfortunately for the Blues, Hector Bellerin was there to clear the ball before it went in. In that play, Oscar was knocked down hard by the Gunners goalkeeper, and the Chelsea players were asking for a penalty kick. Oscar later was subbed at the half and was sent for scans after the game. Chelsea medical staff should have taken more into consideration that Oscar should not have been back into the pitch after that collision. We hope that it was nothing major.
Chelsea had another dangerous play to open the scoresheet but again failed. William put a perfect through ball to Ramires just outside the eighteen. Ramires controlled and shot right into Ospina’s hands.
Second half was not as intense as the first as Arsenal controlled but could not penetrate against Jose Mourinho’s well organized defense. Alexis Sanchez kept trying to find something for the Gunners. Eden Hazard was not a big threat against the Gunners.
The game ended in a 0-0 draw, which is a positive result for the Blues who are now six points away from a Premier League tittle. The back line for Chelsea was superb and John Terry was a key player in this game. For the Gunners, not so much positivity as title hopes are now definitely over. Again, Arsene Wenger failed to beat Mourinho and extended the streak to thirteen games without beating him. Arsenal is now in third with the same points as Manchester City, who sit second. Arsenal will visit Hull City next and Chelsea will play Leicester City during the week, hoping to crown themselves champions next weekend at Stamford Bridge as they receive Crystal Palace.
