Arsenal and Chelsea have played out a goalless first half in their Premier League encounter this evening, with the hosts having a strong penalty appeal turned down by referee Mike Dean.

Fernando Torres tried to test Arsenal's defence early on as he made a burst through the middle, but he knocked the ball too far ahead of himself before tumbling over the leg of Per Mertesacker.

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The visitors went in strong on the hosts from the start as Cesar Azpilicueta crunched Aaron Ramsey with a harsh tackle, before Frank Lampard flew into Bacary Sagna to win the ball.

Thomas Vermaelen looked in good shape midway through the half as he produced an acrobatic clearance to prevent a cross from Ramires reaching Torres in the box.

Ramsey had to make an important interception minutes later as good work from Ramires and Willian found Lampard lurking on the edge of the area.

The visitors registered the game's first real shot on goal in the 27th minute as Ramires headed over, before Lampard latched on to an inviting ball from Eden Hazard, only to see his shot crash against the underside of the crossbar.

Arsenal were denied a strong penalty claim nearing the end of the half, as Theo Walcott went down under the challenge of Willian, but referee Dean thought that the winger had gone down too easily and waved play on.

Chelsea had a great chance just before the half-time whistle as Hazard moved forward on the counter, where he fed Willian, but the Brazilian's effort was far too tame to test Wojciech Szczesny.