Chelsea took a step closer to the Premier League title on Sunday with a hard-fought 0-0 draw away to Arsenal.
The Gunners enjoyed more of the possession and had the better chances during the game, but a robust defensive display from the visitors secured them a share of the spoils.
While Chelsea remain on course to be crowned champions of England, the stalemate has all but ended Arsenal's hopes of lifting the trophy.
Here, Sports Mole takes a closer look at the action between the two London rivals at the Emirates Stadium.
Match statistics
ARSENAL
Shots: 12
On target: 1
Possession: 57%
Corners: 6
Fouls: 17
CHELSEA
Shots: 7
On target: 3
Possession: 43%
Corners: 2
Fouls: 11
Was the result fair?
Arsenal will be frustrated not to have come away with the win because they showed far more attacking intent than their opponents throughout the match. However, a superb defensive performance from Chelsea meant that the league leaders earned themselves a credible point that moves them closer to the Premier League crown.
Arsenal's performance
The Gunners were the dominant team across the 90 minutes, but their Achilles heel was a lack of finishing up front. Arsene Wenger's side controlled possession pretty much from the first whistle to the last, and their overall play was inventive, dynamic and conducted at a high intensity. Their passing and movement had Chelsea working hard to contain them, though it was when they finally got in behind the opposition defence that things usually fell apart.
Twelve shots at goal tells you that the hosts had no problem in creating the chances, but getting just one on target was poor for a team with such attacking quality. While they can take plenty of encouragement from how hard they pushed the champions-to-be, a paucity of sharpness in the final third cost then the three points in the end.
Chelsea's performance
Make no mistake - this was another sublime defensive display from Jose Mourinho's men. They kept Arsenal out thanks to a number of committed performances at the back, though it was captain John Terry that led the way, blocking, heading and kicking everything that came at him. We have seen this kind of approach from Mourinho on numerous occasions, and it worked again this time to put his team on the brink of their first title in five years.
The Blues showed some attacking ambition and looked dangerous on the break through the likes of Willian and Eden Hazard, but these moments were few and far between. Chants of 'boring, boring Chelsea' rang out at the Emirates Stadium as the visitors sat back and soaked up the pressure. Mourinho will take such frustration among the Arsenal fans as a compliment.
Sports Mole's man of the match
John Terry: Chelsea's captain was a rock at the back, leading his team by example with an imperious defensive performance. The veteran centre-back looked at his best in terms of throwing himself at everything and giving his all to the cause.
Biggest gaffe
Cesc Fabregas made a fool of himself on his old stomping ground when he was booked in the first half for diving. There may have been the slightest of contact between the Spaniard and Santi Cazorla, but the way in which he threw himself to the ground was a bit embarrassing.
Referee performance
Michael Oliver had a mixed afternoon during what was a high-tempo clash between two bitter rivals. There was a total of four penalty shouts during a frantic first half, but the one that he got badly wrong was when Arsenal goalkeeper David Ospina wiped out Chelsea midfielder Oscar. Oliver allowed play to continue when he really should have sent off Ospina for a brutish challenge on the Brazilian. Elsewhere, the official was not afraid to brandish his yellow card for a number of robust tackles.
What next?
Arsenal: The Gunners return to Premier League action on May 4 when they make the trip to struggling Hull City.
Chelsea: The Blues can put one hand on the Premier League trophy on April 29 when they face a resurgent Leicester City at the King Power Stadium.
Jack Prescott
