Chelsea close in on title after stalemate at Arsenal

          

                              Cesc Fabregas v Arsenal for Chelsea

Jose Mourinho's Chelsea suffocated the life from their crunch derby clash at Arsenal to place one hand on the Premier League trophy.

Arsenal enjoyed more possession but created few clear-cut chances and couldn’t break down a resilient Chelsea side.

With Diego Costa and Loic Remy both injured, Jose Mourinho fielded a revolving front three of Eden Hazard, Oscar and Willian. However, it was Ramires who had his side’s best chance, hitting a weak chance at David Ospina after being put through by Willian.

There were contentious penalty claims at both ends, with Oscar and Cesc Fabregas both felled in the box while Gary Cahill blocked Santi Cazorla’s shot with his arm at the other end.

Fabregas was given a mixed reception and was booed by some Arsenal fans when he was on the ball. However, there were signs that some of the Emirates faithful still have love for their former captain as he received some applause when he was subbed off.

The result means Chelsea can not win the League against Leicester City on Wednesday but can do so against Crystal Palace next Sunday.