Chelsea produced another defensive masterclass to earn a point at Arsenal today.

Blues boss Roberto di Matteo made as many changes as realistically possible.

Only John Terry, Gary Cahill and Petr Cech were not rested from Wednesday night's Champions League win over Barcelona, with Michael Essien, Oriol Romeu and Ryan Bertrand all making rare starts.

Di Matteo's much-changed team more than held their own but enjoyed another double dose of luck after Wednesday's Champions League win over Barcelona when Robin van Persie and Laurent Koscielny went within inches of scoring.

Arsenal more than shaded the game, but Chelsea will be satisfied with the point which lifts them a point within Newcastle United in fifth place and behind fourth-placed Tottenham.

The Gunners now appear safe for third place, sitting six points clear of Spurs.

There was concern for Arsenal - and England - when Walcott pulled up with a hamstring strain and, although he briefly continued, he had to be replaced by Gervinho on the hour mark.