text: As Jose Mourinho led an angry touchline delegation in pursuit of fourth official Lee Mason, the entire section of Arsenal supporters who sit behind the visitors’ bench climbed to their feet to hurl their abuse. As they settled back into their seats, the rest of the Emirates Stadium exploded into verse about Mourinho, with advice as to where he should go. The Chelsea manager and his assistant Steve Holland had been complaining about the charge from goal by goalkeeper David Ospina which flattened Oscar in the first half, but which was not adjudged to be a foul. Cesc Fabregas returned to Emirates Stadium for the first time since leaving for Barcelona in 2011 . Francis Coquelin of Arsenal evades Fabregas of Chelsea during the 0-0 draw at Emirates Stadium on Sunday . Every Fabregas touch was booed as he operated in the first half in a deep role alongside Nemanja Matic . Fabregas - without his mask on - swaps shirts and salutes the Emirates crowd at full time . The pass to Oscar had been wonderfully delivered by Cesc Fabregas, masked villain of the day in this North London postcode, having the temerity to return in blue nearly four years after agitating to leave Arsenal for Barcelona. Every Fabregas touch was booed. And he didn’t hide. He was influential, operating in the first half in a deep role alongside Nemanja Matic, from where he is often more creative, before moving forward after the break into a No.10 role (and removing the protective mask). There were a lot of touches and a lot of boos. He rarely misplaced a pass but when he did the home crowd cheered. And no cheer was louder than the one when referee Michael Oliver booked him for a dive. It might not, in fact, have been a dive. Santi Cazorla and Fabregas collided knee-to-knee but the Chelsea midfielder also trailed a leg in search of contact more definite and made the it all seem a little too contrived. Oliver was on the spot. So much so that a split-second earlier, he had made a better effort than Cazorla at winning the ball. The referee ruled in Arsenal’s favour, and this proved a very popular decision. There was a rare energy about the Emirates and noise levels not normally associated with the stadium. Make no mistake, this one mattered to those in red. It mattered beyond the confines of the 90 minutes and the points won and lost in what remains of this title race. It was about next season. How close are Arsene Wenger’s team to challenging Chelsea for the title? Can they alter the balance of power in the capital? Can they close the gap at the top of the Barclays Premier League? Of course there were a couple of hate-figures in the vicinity. Animosity levels were up but Arsenal have been brilliant since the turn of the year, with one notable exception, and this was an opportunity to make a statement. Chelsea midfielder Oscar had to be replaced at half-time after a painful-looking collision with David Ospina . Arsene Wenger (left) has not beaten Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho (right) in 13 games as the hoodoo continues . Santi Cazorla of Arsenal reacts after a missed chance during his side's 0-0 draw with Chelsea . It was time to get over the players they didn’t sign and get behind those they did. Mourinho showed respect to Alexis Sanchez by starting with Ramires wide on the right to offer defensive cover and limiting Branislav Ivanovic’s involvement as an attacking force, preferring the muscular Serb to mind the Chilean. There were flashes of what Arsenal do well and supporters rejoiced in flourishes, like a back-heel or two by Aaron Ramsey or a sliver of skill from Mesut Ozil, but they could not beat Thibaut Courtois. Arsenal fans sang: 'Boring Boring Chelsea' when they failed to penetrate, and the jeers for Fabregas were transformed into applause when he was substituted in the last minute. By then the game seemed destined to end goalless. Chelsea, had reverted to the six-man defensive shield at half-time by dropping Ramires deeper, and finished the game with centre-half Kurt Zouma also in central midfield. Mourinho was determined to leave with the clean sheet he came for and, left the more satisfied of the two managers. They remain on course for the title and celebrated at the final whistle. Wenger, meanwhile, cannot crack the Jose-hoodoo. There is work to do in the summer if this gap is to be closed. Fabregas of Chelsea appeals as he is booked by referee Michael Oliver on his first return to Arsenal . Fabregas struggled to settle at La Liga giants Barcelona and signed for Chelsea last summer . Arsenal players mark the upcoming anniversary of the Bradford City fire disaster with a minutes silence .
target: Chelsea held to stalemate with Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on Sunday .
  Arsene Wenger has not beaten Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho in 13 games .
  Cesc Fabregas returned to Arsenal for first time since leaving in 2011 .
  Oscar had to be replaced at half-time after a collision with David Ospina .