Arsenal retained their grip on third place with a 0-0 draw against Chelsea on Saturday, but having played more games than their closest rivals for the Champions League spots, the Gunners might have to do it the hard way to ensure they finish where they are at the moment.

After Chelsea had grabbed the lion’s share of the football in the first half, it was Arsenal who could have grabbed the goal as Van Persie first squandered a gilt-edged chance from close range before Koscielny hit the cross bar with a free header.

The blues, missing the in-form but injured Dideir Drogba made eight changes to their side from Wednesday and kept the home side on their toes for much of the opening period.

But Wenger’s men did make it a more even contest as the game lasted and they actually carved out the better chances in what was indeed a lackluster affair at the Emirates stadium.

Be the first to receive breaking news about Arsenal!