With both outfit's eager to claim top four finishes this was a crucial Emirates Stadium contest, but neither side were able to grab a goal.

It was tight throughout as Chelsea opted to adopt a defensive approach to secure a point that did little to boost their hopes of gaining qualification for the Champions League next season.

Arsenal carved several opportunities with Laurent Koscielny hitting the woodwork, while Peter Cech twice saved from Robin Van Persie.

Arsene Wenger was disappointed that the Gunners didn't net a goal despite creating opportunities. “At the end of the game we had the chances and they had zero. I cannot remember them having one chance. Having said that it was a little bit of a strange game because before the game I thought it would be an open one - we had to win, they had to win. They decided to lock up the game and catch us on the break only, with two wide players who are quick, and Torres.

“On our side I felt we had a very solid defensive performance. Going forward we didn't find our quick passing game and the regret we have is that we played offensively with a handbrake and not as clean technically as we can do.

"That is why we didn't open them up enough. It was a bit similar to what we saw against Wigan and that's a regret I have today. They had three defensive midfielders with Romeu, Malouda and Essien in the middle of the park so it was very difficult to play through there. It was very physical as well. They adopted a little bit the system they played against Barcelona - certainly they wanted to practice for Tuesday night."

Chelsea interim manager Roberto Di Matteo opted to make changes with Tuesday's Champions League semi-final second leg at the Nou Camp in mind.

"It was not so much a question of resting players, it was a question of selecting a team that could win this game against Arsenal, because it is a crazy schedule.

"After our third game in less than six days we are happy with the point, away at Arsenal where it is always difficult to play.

"It is an incredible demand on these players but we showed there's great quality in this team and the spirit is very high.

"At the moment we have a lot of players available, we don't have many injuries. Only time will tell whether we can cope with this schedule.

"It was a point gained for us. We are still in the running for fourth spot and we've got four games left and only one away. We will fight until the end of the season."