Latest: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0 – Blues edging closer to another point

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

The second half has been much less eventful so far, with the visitors edging towards a draw that would restore their 10-point lead at the top of the Premier League.

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.

With Diego Costa and Loic Remy still not fit, Chelsea started without a recognised striker, with Oscar deployed in a central attacking role, supported by Eden Hazard, Ramires and Willian, before being replaced at half-time by Didier Drogba.

Drogba, who has scored 15 goals in 15 matches against Arsenal, had a shot comfortably saved by Ospina before Per Mertesacker wasted a decent chance for the hosts when he fired wide.

A Chelsea victory would mean they can clinch the title by beating Leicester on Wednesday.

Chelsea: Courtois, Ivanovic, Cahill, Terry, Azpilicueta, Matic, Fabregas, Ramires, Oscar (Drogba 45), Willian, Hazard
Subs: Cech, Filipe Luis, Zouma, Mikel, Loftus-Cheek, Cuadrado.

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