Arsenal 0 Chelsea 0: match report He could legitimately complain about how Dean let John Obi Mikel stay on for a dangerous challenge on Mikel Arteta, his foot following through, snapping the Spaniard's shin-pad and leaving him writhing on the soaked pitch. Wenger could genuinely voice his disbelief that Dean had not awarded Arsenal a penalty when Theo Walcott was caught by Willian. But Arsenal were hardly angelic, and Rosicky clattered César Azpilicueta and Branislav Ivanovic. But the fact remains that Arsenal failed to break down Chelsea's defensive midfield and a thick blue back-line in which John Terry and Gary Cahill were outstanding. Arguably Arsenal's best attacking option came from the overlapping Kieran Gibbs on the left. No wonder Wenger observed afterwards that he was unlikely to consider bringing back Ashley Cole, who is in Mourinho's bad books. Not with Gibbs in this sort of vibrant form at left-back. Despite Gibbs" energy, Arsenal needed a more central creative force, but Mesut Özil was disappointing, the German international fading in the face of Chelsea's physicality and sharp interceptions. Aaron Ramsey was subdued and Giroud easily controlled by Terry and Cahill, barring one attempt. Bizarrely, Giroud appeared to be apologising to Terry for one accidental aerial challenge in the first half which the Chelsea captain had laughed off anyway as a mere pinprick. It is hard to imagine the likes of Ian Wright going around saying sorry to their markers. Giroud could be a very fine centre-forward but he needs to impose himself more. This stalemate highlighted that opposing teams believe they can outmuscle Wenger's team of aesthetes. This was the type of test of character that Arsenal knew they would have to face to answer questions about their fortitude. It was still surprising to see Mathieu Flamini start on the bench. The combative Frenchman was made for this sort of intense duel of a game. There were few highlights. Some of the football really was as wretched as the weather. Mistakes littered the game. Arsenal struggled to find their stride, hustled relentlessly by the visitors. Mikel, Frank Lampard, Ramires and company intercepted and tackled, occasionally fouling. Azpilicueta caught Ramsey. Lampard dived in on Bacary Sagna, leaving the right-back floored, as Mourinho mimicked playing the ball. Mourinho had clearly ordered his men to close Arsenal players down rapidly and robustly, particularly his old Real Madrid schemer, Özil. One move by Arsenal took the ball unerringly from Özil to Giroud to Ramsey and back out to Özil, who was promptly fouled by Lampard. Chelsea were defending well. When Sagna crossed from the right, Cahill slid in to clear. Terry, reading the situation well, then calmly intervened to cut out Ramsey's attempted pass to Theo Walcott. This was a disciplined tactical performance from Chelsea, with occasional fast forays upfield. Fernando Torres was feisty, running at Per Mertesacker and Thomas Vermaelen. A few opportunities fell Chelsea's way. Ramires headed wide. Chelsea then had the best chance of the half, Lampard volleying against the bar after Eden Hazard's fine through ball. Torres then turned sharply and brought a low save from Wojciech Szczesny. The game then passed through a fractious period, catcalls being directed at Dean after Mikel poleaxed Arteta and then Walcott was brought down by Willian. Dean again caused consternation amongst Arsenal supporters, players and management by flamboyantly signalling no penalty. This was a derby, a game played for high stakes in the Premier League race, and a match slightly compromised by the swirling rain, but it still made poor fare for the viewing hundreds of millions. Still the tackles went in. Ramires on Arteta. Walcott on Azpilicueta. Football broke out occasionally. Ivanovic hooked a shot goalwards but Szczesny saved comfortably. The Pole then dropped down to smother a powerful drive from Lampard, following Torres" perfect nod-down. The fouls continued. Ivanovic's boot was dangerously high on Özil. Mourinho began making his changes, controlling the game. The hard-running Andre Schürrle came on for the disappointing Hazard. Oscar replaced Willian. Inbetween the arguments continued. Azpilicueta disputed the game's finer points with Sagna. Giroud remonstrated with Mikel. Some of the players queried events with Dean. The Premier League debating society was out in full force. Giroud then sliced a shot wide and was denied at close range by Petr Cech following a slick move involving Gibbs and Rosicky. The sight of David Luiz coming on for Torres indicated that Mourinho was happy with a point. Wenger's side still attacked. Vermaelen met a corner with a downward header but Azpilicueta cleared off the line. By the end, Arsenal fans were chanting "boring, boring Chelsea" but it was the visitors singing more happily in the rain.