Latest: Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0 – Oscar denied early on in feisty derby

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Chelsea almost took the lead – and might have been awarded a penalty – in the 16th minute at the Emirates Stadium, where a win would leave them on the verge of being confirmed as champions. 

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.

Oscar was deployed in a central attacking role, supported by Eden Hazard, Ramires and Willian, after Blues boss Jose Mourinho opted to start without a recognised striker in the absence of injured duo Diego Costa and Loic Remy.

Arsenal: Ospina, Bellerin, Mertesacker, Koscielny, Monreal, Coquelin, Cazorla, Ramsey, Ozil, Alexis, Giroud.
Subs: Szczesny, Debuchy, Gibbs, Wilshere, Walcott, Flamini, Welbeck.

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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