Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal: 5 Talking Points
Final score: Chelsea 0-0 Arsenal
Goals: None
Stamford Bridge played host to Arsenal in the first leg of the EFL Cup's semi-final clash. Chelsea were playing Arsenal for the second time in 7 days as they headed into the clash with impressive form. The Blues had lost one of their last 16 games across all competitions this season.
Antonio Conte fielded a full-strength side while Arsene Wenger left out contract rebel Alexis Sanchez on the bench in a 3-4-2-1 formation. Both teams created a lot of chances but their finishing lacked conviction and the game ended in a 0-0 draw. Arsenal will be the happier of two teams, going into the second-leg at the Emirates on 24th of January.
On that note, let's take a look at the key talking points from the game:
#5 Chelsea lacked conviction in the final third; Alvaro Morata had a night to forget
21 attempts, of which 6 were on goal, but none found the back of the net. Chelsea had a frustrating night in front of their home fans. Both teams started the game on a cautious note and there were no clear-cut openings in the first 20 minutes.
Chelsea created their first chance in the 25th minute when Victor Moses skipped past Maitland-Niles on the edge of the penalty area to unleash a shot. David Ospina fumbled but got retained the ball before Alvaro Morata could have a say.
The clearest chance of the game came late in the first half when Cesar Azpilicueta found Cesc Fabregas all alone in the Arsenal's penalty area but Fabregas headed it straight towards the Arsenal keeper.
A couple of good chances fell for Chelsea in the form of corners but they could not capitalize on it. Morata, specifically, was wasteful in front of goal yet again, and Chelsea lacked conviction in the final third. Andreas Christensen too wasted a couple of good header opportunities.