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:

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#5 Chelsea lacked conviction in the final third; Alvaro Morata had a night to forget

The Spaniard put in a horror display at the Stamford Bridge

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.

#2 Wilshere and Mustafi impress, but Lacazette and Iwobi fail again

The no.9 put in a horror show at the Bridge

Jack Wilshere continues to have a good time in the Arsenal shirt. Wore the captain’s armband against Chelsea and played with confidence and determination. He created the first chance of the game as he sent Alexandre Lacazatte clear on goal, but the Frenchman sliced it horribly off target.

Wilshere was a live wire on the night but his stay was cut short with an injury, early in the second-half. Shkodran Mustafi, too, was impressive on the night. He was excellent in the air and won most of the aerial battles against Morata and Co. He also made two crucial blocks to deny Chelsea.

On the flip side, Lacazatte and Iwobi had a game to forget. The Frenchman had a glorious chance to open the scoring in the first-half but wasted the opportunity. He was not effective on the night and was rightly replaced by Alexis Sanchez in the 66th minute.

Iwobi was impressive with his marauding runs but his final ball lacked precision and the Nigerian gifted away possession on many occasions.

#3 Eden Hazard flashed in parts but Cesc Fabregas and Victor Moses put in a good show

Impressive show by the Spanish international

Fabregas and Victor Moses were the shining lights in an otherwise disappointing performance from the Chelsea front line.

Hazard started well and looked dangerous in the early minutes during the first half. Though he made some breathtaking runs and turns throughout the game, his contribution reduced as the game went on. He was at the forefront of all the attacking play by Chelsea, but could not make it count on the night.

The Spaniard, Cesc Fabregas, put in an even better performance against his previous club as he linked up well with Hazard, Morata, and Moses. Though he wasted one of Chelsea's best chance on the night, he was brilliant in possession and created 6 chances.

He also made four successful crosses and was a key figure in the midfield. Moses too was impressive on the night. He was lively on the right flank, combined well with Azpelicueta and had a couple of decent efforts on goal.

#4 VAR makes its way into English football

VAR makes its introduction in England

VAR officially debuts in England, as a part of a live trial currently taking place across world football. Video Assistant Referees (VAR) was used for the first time in England during the EFL competition semi-final tie between Chelsea and Arsenal. It will be used in both legs of the semi-finals and also in the finals at the Wembley.

Video referees were called into action for the first time at the half-hour mark. Cesar Azpilicueta goes down inside his own box after a push from Chambers, during an Arsenal corner. Atkinson failed to spot it but is then flagged up by the VAR.

Video referees were called into action again, late in the first-half, when Victor Moses' outstretched leg caught Maitland-Niles in the penalty area. Few of the Arsenal players appealed for a spot-kick, but the video referee decided against it.

#1 Advantage Arsenal

Both sides were below par in the first-leg

Arsenal will be the happier of the two sides after a 0-0 draw at the Stamford Bridge. After a horror show against the Nottingham Forrest, Wenger's men put in a good defensive display and thwarted Chelsea throughout the night.

Mustafi and Calum Chambers stood strong at the back and put in some crucial blocks. Arsenal will fancy themselves to qualify for the finals when they host the Blues in the return leg on January 24th.

The Gunners are doing well at home and playing at the Emirates will certainly give them an advantage over the defending Premier League champions. Expect both sides to put in a better performance in the 2nd-leg clash at the Emirates.