Chelsea maintained their comfortable 10 point cushion over Arsenal as Jose Mourinho’s men produced another flawless defensive display to shut out Arsenal’s free flowing attacking football. The Blues know they cannot seal the title in the week, but a hard fought draw at the Emirates may well see the title return to the West London next weekend.
The match lacked that all important goal to ignite a packed house at the Emirates, but wasn’t short of controversy or drama as Michael Oliver turned down as many as four penalty appeals, with Chelsea midfielder Oscar likely to feel most aggrieved.
Arsenal kept plugging away, but Chelsea produced a performance worthy of the Champions as they absorbed the pressure and snuffed out Arsenal’s attacking threat.
Let’s take a look at how the Chelsea players fared in a game which could well have sealed the stamp on a third Premier League crown for Jose Mourinho.
Thibaut Courtois – 7
Barely tested, but was alert whenever called upon. A comfortable afternoon for the Belgian shot-stopper.
Branislav Ivanovic – 6
Solid for most parts, but was booked for leaving his stud marks all over Alexis Sanchez.
Gary Cahill – 7
Solid as ever. Survived a scare when Arsenal had a penalty shout.
John Terry – 8
The former English International was commanding as ever at the back. Didn’t put a foot wrong. Assured performance from the skipper.
Cesar Azpilicueta – 7
Will be disappointed to have been the only Chelsea defender not to have made the PFA team of the year. The Spaniard was rock solid at the Emirates.
Nemanja Matic – 7
Excellent ball retention, moved the ball along nicely in midfield to allow Chelsea to assume command in midfield during the second half.
Ramires – 6.5
Should have scored, but only managed a feeble effort straight at David Ospina.
Fabregas – 7
Wasn’t his usual free flowing self. Got booked for diving and failed to create much impact.
Willian – 7.5
A tireless worker for the team, despite not troubling the statisticians much through this season.
Eden Hazard – 7
Quiet day for the inform Belgian. Hector Bellerin did a fantastic job to hold the PFA winner from causing havoc as he usually does.
Oscar – 7
Struggled as a false 9, but would feel aggrieved at being denied a clear penalty after Ospina took him out.
Subs-
Didier Drogba – 5
Has lost his pace, but put in an honest shift for the team. Good tracking back from the Ivorian.
Kurt Zouma – NA
Cuadrado – NA