Published: 26 April, 2015
By PAUL COWLING at the Emirates Stadium

Premier League
ARSENAL 0, CHELSEA 0

ARSENAL fans were left frustrated as the Gunners failed to break down a resilient Chelsea side at the Emirates Stadium this afternoon (Sunday).

After the match manager Arsene Wenger reckoned his side had done enough to win what proved a cagey encounter.

"We played with the right intensity in the first half, and in the last 20 minutes of the second half, though we couldn't manage to score," said Wenger.

There was little to choose between the two sides, and it looked as if there was one point and not 10 between them at the top of the league.

Wenger was adamant the gap between the two teams was getting closer. "Chelsea started the season stronger, compared to us. But we have closed the gap to them since then," he said.

Chelsea were set up purely to spoil, but will point to three first-half penalty claims which were waved away by referee Michael Oliver as to why they didn't get the win.

Hector Bellerin could have been penalised after just eight minutes when Oscar fell under his challenge in the box. Minutes later the Blues midfielder was involved again, this time being cleaned out by Arsenal keeper David Ospina as they challenged for Cesc Fabregas's pass.

The third claim came when Fabregas theatrically fell to the floor after coming into contact with Santi Cazorla, resulting in the former Gunner being shown a yellow card for diving.

Arsenal also had calls for a first-half penalty waved away when Gary Cahill looked to have charged down a Cazorla shot with his hand.

Overall, however, chances were at a premium. Ospina had to be at his best to deny Ramires in the 38th minute as he smothered the Brazilian's tame shot following Willian's incisive pass.

Arsenal's best chances saw Per Mertesacker stumbling a shot well wide after Thibaut Courtois could only half clear a free-kick, while second-half substitute Danny Welbeck scuffed a clear chance in front of goal in stoppage time.

After failing to get the better of Jose Mourinho in his 13th attempt, Wenger was asked if the inability to beat Chelsea had become symbolic of his time at the club. But the Frenchman was in no mood to share his frustrations.

"It's not about me," he said. "I wanted to win the game for the good of the club. That question only suits you, the media."

ARSENAL: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin (Welbeck, 75), Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez, Giroud (Walcott, 83).
Substitutes not used: Szczesny, Debuchy, Gibbs, Wilshere, Flamini.
Attendance: 60,066