London rivals Chelsea and Arsenal played out a goalless draw in their end-to-end Premier League clash at Stamford Bridge on Sunday afternoon.
Both teams had opportunities to collect all three points, but neither could make the breakthrough as the points were shared following an entertaining contest in the English capital.
Read how it all unfolded in Sports Mole's minute-by-minute live commentary of the action below.
Afternoon all! Sports Mole's live Premier League coverage continues from Stamford Bridge as the Premier League champions Chelsea welcome London rivals Arsenal for what should be a fascinating match. History suggests that Chelsea will enjoy a comfortable afternoon, but Arsenal will arrive with a point to prove. Stay tuned for live minute-by-minute coverage!
Chelsea have actually won eight of the last 11 Premier League meetings between the two teams – losing just once. What's more, Chelsea have earned five successive league wins against the Gunners on home soil – scoring 15 times and conceding just twice. Arsenal have also kept just one Premier League clean sheet in their last 18 matches at Stamford Bridge – incredible.
Should Arsenal lose this afternoon, a sixth successive away league defeat would represent their worst run against a club since losing seven in a row to Liverpool between 1981 and 1988. The majority of people expect Arsene Wenger's side to lose this match, which might work in their favour.
Right, without further ado, let me bring you up-to-speed with the all-important team news from London. Both managers have surely made changes from their European exertions during the week, but how many? Let's run through the two XIs for this afternoon's key Premier League encounter...
TEAMS!
CHELSEA: Courtois; Azpilicueta, Luiz, Cahill; Moses, Kante, Fabregas, Alonso; Willian, Morata, Pedro
ARSENAL: Cech; Mustafi, Koscielny, Monreal; Bellerin, Xhaka, Ramsey, Kolasinac; Iwobi, Lacazette, Welbeck
David Luiz, Victor Moses and Alvaro Morata are among those to return to the Chelsea XI this afternoon, but Eden Hazard again starts on the bench after only just recovering from an ankle problem. Pedro and Willian both keep their positions in the team, while Cesc Fabregas is preferred to Tiemoue Bakayoko alongside N'Golo Kante. No serious surprises in Antonio Conte's first XI this afternoon.
As for Arsenal, Arsene Wenger has made eight changes to the team that started against FC Koln on Thursday night, with Nacho Monreal, Alex Iwobi and Hector Bellerin the only three players to keep their spot. It is once again Aaron Ramsey and Granit Xhaka in central midfield for a big away match, while Alexis Sanchez drops to the bench, and Mesut Ozil misses out altogether through injury.
So there we have it. The two teams are in, and we are now just about 40 minutes from kickoff at Stamford Bridge. I shall talk about Arsenal a little bit later, but let's start with the Premier League champions Chelsea. It would be fair to say that there was some concern around the club when they lost 3-2 at home to Burnley on the opening weekend of the 2017-18 campaign.
Indeed, that defeat came off the back of a loss to Arsenal in the Community Shield, and amid suggestions that head coach Conte was unhappy with life at Stamford Bridge. However, since then, Chelsea have won all four of their matches – three of which have been in the Premier League.
Indeed, the Blues won 2-1 at Tottenham Hotspur on August 20, before recording a 2-0 victory over Everton before the international break. A 2-1 victory at Leicester City followed last weekend, before they thumped Qarabag 6-0 in the Champions League on Tuesday night. It has been a strong few weeks for the English champions, who will be looking for another victory this afternoon.
Chelsea have actually scored in their last 23 Premier League games at Stamford Bridge, while they are unbeaten in 26 home matches on a Sunday – winning 19 of those particular fixtures. Ahead of a difficult run which includes games against Stoke City (A), Atletico Madrid (A) and Manchester City (H), Chelsea will be keen to put Arsenal to the sword once again. It is a massive game at Stamford Bridge.
Speaking of Arsenal, the Gunners will enter this match off the back of a 3-1 win over FC Koln in the Europa League on Thursday night. That victory followed a 3-0 success over Bournemouth in the Premier League last weekend, but there is no getting away from the fact that it has been another difficult start to the season for the London club, who currently occupy 12th position in the table.
The Gunners opened the 2017-18 campaign with a 4-3 win over Leicester City at the Emirates Stadium, before losing 1-0 to Stoke and 4-0 to Liverpool in their first two Premier League away matches. They will enter this match off the back of two straight victories, although playing on Thursday night in the Europa League was hardly ideal ahead of a trip to the Premier League champions.
Arsenal are facing the possibility of losing their first three away games of a league season for the first time since 1954. That said, a positive result this afternoon would place them in a decent position ahead of upcoming Premier League games against West Bromwich Albion and Brighton & Hove Albion.
The Alexis Sanchez saga was a real issue for Arsenal during the summer, but the Chilean stayed at the Emirates, and he is on the bench this afternoon. The team's character has long been called into question, and it will be interesting to see whether Sanchez is given the chance to make an impact. Will Arsenal fold if they concede first? It has happened on so many occasions in these big matches.
Here we go then - both sets of players are in the tunnel ahead of kickoff at Stamford Bridge. Weather-wise, it is just about the perfect afternoon for a game of football. Time for a prediction - I can only see one winner in this match. For me, Chelsea by a couple of goals. Let's say 3-1 to the Blues.
Just a reminder that Hazard is on the bench for Chelsea, while Sanchez is among the Arsenal substitutes. Ozil misses out altogether, and it is once again Ramsey and Xhaka in central midfield for the visitors. You do get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital. Stay tuned right here for live minute-by-minute updates of the action from the English capital.
KICKOFF! Chelsea kick things off in the capital...
... a win for Chelsea would temporarily take them into second position in the table, with Manchester United not playing until later this afternoon - at home to Everton. Arsenal, meanwhile, would jump from 12th to fifth with all three points. Let's hope for an entertaining London derby here.
Chelsea have already looked to break on Arsenal on a couple of occasions, but Mustafi and Koscielny have both done well to clear under pressure. As expected, it is the home side looking to dominate the ball in the early moments, with Pedro and Willian buzzing around near Morata.
SAVE! Cech has to remain alert to keep out a strike from Pedro.
Chelsea continue to counter Arsenal, and a sensational pass from Alonso releases Moses, but Kolasinac is across to clear behind. Fabregas meets the resulting corner at the near post, but his effort is just wide of the post. The Gunners are already looking extremely vulnerable here.
Lacazette and Moses are both on the deck after a knee-on-knee clash down the left.
Lacazette rises to his feet, but Moses does not look too pleased.
Zappacosta has been sent to warm up as Moses hobbles around. Chelsea might well be forced into an early change. Lacazette, on the other hand, is now moving freely in Arsenal's final third.
Bit of possession for Chelsea as they pass and probe in a central position, but Morata cannot collect a through ball from Fabregas, allowing Arsenal to build from the back through Cech.
Morata heads just wide of the Arsenal post, but the striker was in an offside position.
So, still goalless with 15 minutes on the clock. Chelsea have had the better moments, but Arsenal have shown little bits and pieces in the final third of the field. Lacazette's touch and link play has been impressive in the early stages, although Courtois has been unmoved between the home side's sticks.
Arsenal come under more pressure as Moses delivers a dangerous cross into the away side's box, but Koscielny manages to head clear, and eventually Willian runs the ball out of play. There is no question that Chelsea are carrying the bigger threat in the final third of the field here.
CHANCE! Brilliant chance for Arsenal as Bellerin finds the head of Welbeck with a super cross from the right, but the England forward can only send his effort over the crossbar!
SAVE! Cech has to keep out Lacazette, who met a low cross from Bellerin!
Chelsea have a concern over Pedro here, who is still on the deck after a challenge from Monreal.
Pedro looks in real pain here, and the Spaniard surely cannot continue.
SAVE! Courtois has to get down to keep out a strike from Kolasinac as Arsenal continue to threaten. The Gunners have had three opportunities in the last few minutes at Stamford Bridge.
SAVE! Wonderful chance for Chelsea to take the lead as Pedro breaks into a one-on-one situation following a super Fabregas pass, but the Spaniard cannot beat Cech!
Morata heads over the Arsenal crossbar after another super cross from Moses. End-to-end football in the last few minutes, but the score remains goalless at Stamford Bridge.
You do get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - could be vital this afternoon. Arsenal have certainly improved after a difficult start to the match. It is a very enjoyable game.
Just a reminder that a win for Chelsea would take them into second, while Arsenal would jump to fifth with all three points this afternoon. Both sides have had a couple of good opportunities to make the breakthrough at Stamford Bridge, but the score remains goalless with 26 minutes on the clock.
'Chelsea! Chelsea! Chelsea!' rings out around the stadium as the home side's supporters look to rally a team that is currently allowing Arsenal a lot of possession in potentially dangerous areas. Welbeck and Iwobi are starting to find space in wide positions, while Lacazette has been a threat.
Fabregas looks to find Luiz with a super cross towards the far post, but the centre-back cannot grow tall enough, and Arsenal manage to clear their lines once again. Still goalless in London.
CLOSE! Xhaka just misses the Chelsea post with an effort from distance.
Chelsea's pace has slowed down over the last five minutes or so, and credit must go to Arsenal after a difficult start for the Gunners. It is a very even game with 34 minutes on the clock here.
Pedro is a touch fortunate to escape a yellow card for a late challenge on Xhaka, with the referee deciding to have a word with the Chelsea attacker rather than issue a booking. Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes as both defences stay on top in London.
Morata does well to clear an Iwobi free kick, which had been threatening to find the head of Welbeck inside the Chelsea box. Arsenal are currently enjoying a really good spell here.
Koscielny loops one wide of the Chelsea post after Moses had failed to clear his lines.
Chelsea were very impressive in the early stages of this match, but Arsenal have been comfortable for some time now, with the Gunners enjoying lots of possession in Chelsea's half of the field. Just a reminder that Alexis Sanchez is on the Arsenal bench this afternoon. We will surely see him at some point.
CHANCES! Oh my word! Wonderful chance for Arsenal as Ramsey dances into the Chelsea box before poking the ball towards the far corner, it hits the post, and Lacazette somehow smashes the rebound over the crossbar. It is a quite incredible miss from the striker!
That miss from Lacazette was incredible. Arsenal really should be ahead in this match.
Chelsea need to regroup at the interval. Pedro and Willian have been invisible for the last 20 minutes or so, and Conte will surely be considering introducing Hazard at the interval.
We are into the first of two added minutes at the end of the first period.
Monreal drills the ball back to his own goalkeeper after beating Morata for pace, and Cech does well to control on his chest. Almost a very embarrassing moment for the visitors! Arsenal then break down the other end, and Luiz has to clear ahead of the waiting Lacazette at the near post.
HALF-TIME: Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to a close with the two teams level at 0-0. Chelsea made the brighter start to proceedings, but Arsenal ended the first 45 minutes extremely well, and really should have made the breakthrough. A very even first half of action in London!
BENCH WATCH! Arsenal are without Ozil this afternoon through injury, but Olivier Giroud, Theo Walcott and Alexis Sanchez are all on a dangerous Gunners bench. Chelsea, meanwhile, have the likes of Bakayoko, Batshuayi, Hazard and Zappacosta in reserve. Plenty of talent on both benches!
STATISTICS! Arsenal shaded the first-half possession with 51%, while the Gunners had 10 attempts in the first period, although just two of those were on target. Chelsea, meanwhile, hit the target with two of their four attempts. Both teams have missed some excellent chances to score here.
RESTART! Arsenal resume the action here...
... CHELSEA SUB! Bakayoko has replaced Pedro for Chelsea.
SAVE! Cech is down to keep out a powerful strike from Willian.
Morata looks to feed Willian as Chelsea threaten once again, but Mustafi is across to make the challenge. Arsenal then break down the other end, but Lacazette cannot feed Iwobi after a strong run from Welbeck. End-to-end football in the early stages of the second period here.
It is all very frantic at the start of the second half, with both teams committing players forward. You do get the feeling that the first goal this afternoon - if there indeed is one - could be vital.
Luiz has just almost taken Koscielny's head off with an attempted over-head kick!
BOOKING! Luiz (Chelsea) is booked for a high boot.
Koscielny is still on the deck, but it appears that the Frenchman will continue, which is great news. It was brave defending from the centre-back, that is for sure. Mertesacker is warming-up here.
Alonso has a dig after super work from Bakayoko, but Ramsey is across to make the challenge. Chelsea are just starting to dominate the ball once again as Arsenal sit a touch deeper here.
Chelsea still with the option of Hazard, Arsenal with the option of Sanchez. Both are players that are capable of winning this match for their respective teams. Little over 30 minutes to play in London.
Welbeck looks to feed a pass into Ramsey, but the weight is just too strong, and Courtois is on hand to collect. This match is on a knife-edge at the moment as the score remains level.
Willian makes an angle for the shot, but his effort is well wide of the Arsenal post.
Morata goes down on the edge of the Arsenal box, but the referee is not interested. The away side then break down the other end with Kolasinac, but Azpilicueta is across to make the challenge. End-to-end football with 62 minutes on the clock. Still no sign of Sanchez or Hazard here.
Arsenal are coming under real pressure at the moment as Chelsea continue to deliver into the away side's penalty box. You do get the feeling that a goal is coming in this match.
BOOKING! Morata (Chelsea) is booked for dissent.
ARSENAL SUB! Sanchez is off the Arsenal bench to replace Lacazette.
Wouldn't it be just like Sanchez to come up with a winner for Arsenal this afternoon? Still no sign of Hazard, but we will surely see the Belgian in the final 15 minutes or so. You still get the feeling that there is going to be a late goal in this match, with both teams committing players forward.
CHELSEA SUB! Hazard replaces Willian for Chelsea.
Sanchez uses his pace to drive behind the Chelsea defence, but Luiz is back to make the challenge, and Chelsea have a goal-kick. Still goalless with 72 minutes on the clock in London.
Welbeck looks to have a groin problem after going down in a challenge with Luiz.
Welbeck does not look happy at all. Arsenal might well be forced into their second change.
ARSENAL SUB! Giroud replaces Welbeck for Arsenal.
Little over 15 minutes of football remaining in London, and still we wait for the first goal.
GOAL DISALLOWED! Mustafi heads home for Arsenal, but the flag is up!
It is Chelsea's turn to attack as Fabregas finds himself free from a short corner, but Mustafi is on hand to clear. It is a manic period of the match at Stamford Bridge, and still we stand at 0-0.
SAVE! Cech manages to keep out a strike from Hazard after a mazy run from the Belgian, who had undone the Arsenal defence. The atmosphere is building as we approach the 80th minute.
ARSENAL SUB! Elneny replaces Iwobi for the away side.
Still a good 10 minutes of football to be played in London, and you still get the feeling that there is going to be a winner in this match. In truth, a point apiece is just about right at the moment.
Chelsea just cannot find a route through this Arsenal defence as Koscielny steps ahead of Morata to make the challenge, before Mustafi pumps the ball clear. Still all square with 85 on the clock.
BOOKING! Elneny (Arsenal) is booked for a foul on Hazard.
Fabregas flashes a cross towards the far post, but it is deflected behind, and Arsenal are under more pressure in the final stages of this match. A goal at this stage would surely win the contest.
Moses has a goal-bound strike blocked, and Arsenal can clear their lines once again.
RED CARD! LUIZ!
Luiz is given a straight red following a heavy challenge on Kolasinac!
CHELSEA SUB! Christensen replaces Morata for Chelsea.
Monreal has a goal-bound strike blocked as Arsenal threaten in the latter stages.
BOOKING! Kolasinac (Arsenal) is booked for a late challenge on Hazard.
We are into the second of four additional minutes at the end of the 90 here.
Fabregas delivers a free kick into the Arsenal box, and Cech is on hand to claim. End-to-end football in the latter stages as both teams continue to search for what would be a winning goal.
BOOKING! Bellerin (Arsenal) is booked for a foul on Bakayoko.
Sanchez goes down just outside the Chelsea box, but the referee says no.
FULL-TIME: Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
So there we have it. The referee brings the second period to a close with Arsenal holding Chelsea to a goalless draw at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea stay third in the table on 10 points, while Arsenal are up one position to 12th. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for our live coverage once again!
