Half-time: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0

Chelsea almost took the lead and might have been awarded a penalty in a lively first half at the Emirates Stadium, where a victory would leave them on the verge of being confirmed as champions.

Just after the quarter-hour mark, former Arsenal star Cesc Fabregas, jeered by many of the home fans on his return to north London, lifted the ball forward and after Laurent Koscielny failed to clear, Oscar nipped in and lobbed David Ospina.

Keeper Ospina clattered into Oscar, leaving him in a heap on the floor, and Gunners defender Hector Bellerin headed off the line to deny the Brazilian what would have been his first goal since January.

Chelsea had two other shouts for a penalty waved away by referee Michael Oliver.

Oscar went down early on after after contact with Bellerin and on 22 minutes Fabregas was booked for diving following a challenge from Santi Cazorla.

And at the other end, Gary Cahill was given the benefit of the doubt after blocking Cazorla’s shot with a raised arm.

Chelsea are playing without a recognised striker in the absence of injured duo Diego Costa and Loic Remy.

Oscar was deployed in a central attacking role, supported by Eden Hazard, Ramires and Willian.

A victory would mean Chelsea would wrap up the title if they also win at Leicester on Wednesday.

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Ramires, Oscar, Willian, Hazard
Subs: Cech, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Cuadrado, Drogba.

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