Chelsea FC Earn Point Against Arsenal FC 0-0
Arguably the biggest London Derby took place on Sunday at the Enirates Stadiu8m, where Chelsea FC and Arsenal FC met, with title implications on the line. The Blues have a comfortable 10 point lead atop the Barclay’s Premier League table, but with an Arsenal win, the north London club could cut that lead to seven. With Chelsea suffering from an injury crisis at forward, it could be said that a road point would be a more than satisfactory result.
With Oscar being utilized as a false nine, it was eye-catching that Chelsea actually implemented a bit of high pressure early on.
Despite this, the Gunners weathered a very early storm, then took control of the game. It was now the home team who were putting on a great pressing display, keeping Chelsea pinned back in their own third.
Chelsea were almost able to take the lead in the 16th minute, when Oscar made a very forward esque run, and peeled off of the shoulder of the last defender, and got in behind the defense. With David Ospina closing in, the young Brazilian tried to flick the ball past him. He was taken down, and couldn’t get enough on his attempt. and eventually the ball was cleared away for a corner.
Again, Chelsea missed a great opportunity to go in front, this time in the 38th minute. Willian found Ramires cutting through the heart of the Arsenal defense. He received the ball in a one on one opportunity, but put forth a weak effort that was easily saved by Ospina.
The two clubs would go into halftime with neither gaining an advantage on the scoreboard. The scoreline didn’t reflect the intensity of the game, with both sides creating chances for themselves. Referee Michael Oliver was also a talking point, as he allowed a physical, open game to be played. This result would be okay for the visitors, but keeping Arsenal scoreless for the entire game would be a difficult task.
Oscar still seemed to be suffering from his first half challenge with Ospina, and was taken off for Didier Drogba.
The opening stages of the second half were surely a disappointment for some, with both teams looking a bit tired, especially considering the frenetic first half.
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
The prevailing theme of the second half was the official tightening things up, as compared to the first half. Chelsea picked up a number of yellow cards, as their physical style of play was now being penalized.
As stoppage time came, Arsenal missed a golden opportunity to take a late lead. Both Mesut Ozil and Danny Welbeck missed their chance to take a strike at an open goal, and likely win the game.
The game would end 0-0, frustratingly for Arsenal fans, but a well-earned road point in the minds of Chelsea fans. The Blues now know that they only need six more points from league play to claim the championship.
MOTM: The Chelsea FC fullbacks, particularly Cesar Azpilicueta will earn a co man of the match for me today. The entire defense did their bit, but Branislav Ivanovic and Azpilicueta did a great job of keeping the Arsenal wingers at bay for the duration of the match.