Both Arsenal and Chelsea came into the match knowing that three point can take either of them to the top of the summit. Arsenal made two changes to the team that stumbled against City with Rosicky coming in for the suspended Wilshere and Vermaelen replacing the injured Koscielny. Meanwhile, Mourinho preferred Willian to both Oscar and Mata and Torres was picked as the target man. Cole sat out for Ivanovic, partnering with Azpilicueta, Terry and Cahill in defense.
The game started with Arsenal controlling possession and Chelsea firmly sitting back and receiving all what was thrown at them by the host, hoping to respond by a quick counter. The game was voided of chances until the 32nd minute when Lampard's volley hit the underside of the woodwork and Torres was denied later by Szczesny.
After the interval, the host were more commanding in possession and were very comfortable with the ball but were frustrated by the visitors who defended in numbers. Cech, the most comfortable man in the back was guided by his defence as Arsenal attempted to take chances from range and both Terry and Cahill glad to stand in the way of the the traveling rockets.
Giroud had two chances with 10 minutes left on the clock but couldn't produce anything worth troubling the visitors as the Blues were comfortable to see out the match and secure a point in a very disappointing display bearing in mind the quality of players on the pitch.
The result sees Arsenal joint leaders with Liverpool, second on goal difference while Chelsea leapfrog Everton to sit fourth, two points away from the table toppers and one behind City.
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