Half-time: Arsenal 1 Chelsea 1

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Gervinho’s classy turn and finish denied Chelsea a half-time lead in a thrilling London derby at the Emirates Stadium.

A clever hooked finish from Fernando Torres looked like giving the Premier League leaders a half-time advantage against the unbeaten Gunners until Gervinho struck three minutes before the break.

The Blues had an encouraging start, dominating the early possession and threatening through a tame David Luiz free-kick and a decent Torres run and cross.

The hosts responded with a Santi Cazorla shot that flew well over the bar and also had a couple of ambitious penalty claims turned down.

But the visitors were on top and went ahead through Torres.

The Spaniard ignored the close attentions of Laurent Koscielny, kept his focus on the ball from a Juan Mata free-kick and managed to cleverly steer a first-time right-foot volley in at the near post.

Moments later he should have made it 2-0 after robbing Koscielny and bearing down on goal, but he delayed his finish and the big centre-back was able to get back and put Torres off.

Chelsea continued to have the upper hand but failed to make the most of their dominance against an Arsenal side who seemed to struggled to cope with an injury to Abou Diaby.

But Gervinho’s quality finish from an Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain cross drew them level to set up an intriguing second half.

Chelsea (4-3-2-1): Cech; Ivanovic, Cole, Luiz, Terry; Ramires, Mikel, Hazard; Mata, Oscar; Torres.

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