Arsenal loses top after draw with Chelsea

Arsenal's Olivier Giroud reacts after missing a chance to score during their English Premier League soccer match against Chelsea at The Emirates in London December 23, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]

LONDON - Arsene Wenger failed for the 10th time to get the better of Jose Mourinho as Arsenal was held to a 0-0 draw by Chelsea on Monday, missing a chance to return to the top of the Premier League.

The London derby, played with rain swirling around the Emirates Stadium, failed to produce the drama expected, with few attempts on goal.

Chelsea came closest in the first half when Frank Lampard's shot struck the crossbar, while Arsenal only threatened Petr Cech's goal in the closing minutes when Olivier Giroud shot wide from a tight angle.

It meant that in Mourinho's two stints as Chelsea manager, Wenger has now endured five draws and five losses.

"It is a solid point but two points dropped at home," said Wenger, whose side lost 6-3 at Manchester City in its last game.

Arsenal is ahead in the Premier League, only behind leader Liverpool on goal difference and two points ahead of fourth-placed Chelsea.

Mourinho's mission was to shackle an Arsenal team that hasn't been beaten at home in the league since the opening day of the season.

And the Portuguese coach succeeded with his well-organized side.

"It was important for us in this match not to lose," he said. "Because it's one thing for us to be two points behind the leaders and another thing to be five points behind."

The concern for Mourinho, though, will be the failure of a Chelsea striker to score a first league away goal since last December, with Fernando Torres ineffective up front.

Instead the defenders thwarted Arsenal.

"Arsenal showed on the pitch ... frustration because they couldn't create or penetrate," Mourinho said.

Wenger was aggrieved that Arsenal wasn't awarded a penalty in the first half when Theo Walcott went down under Willian's light challenge.

Arsenal's Mesut Ozil (L) clashes with Chelsea's Branislav Ivanovic (R) as Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs (hidden) and Chelsea's Willian (C) try to intervene during their English Premier League soccer match at The Emirates in London December 23, 2013. [Photo/Agencies]