Chelsea moved into first place in the Premier League on Tuesday following a 0-0 draw at Birmingham.
Chelsea dominated possession -- the Londoners had almost 20 corners -- but could only manage a few good scoring chances. Birmingham 'keeper Maik Taylor pushed Dutch forward Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink's shot inches wide in the second half, and Hasselbaink's header a few minutes later went wide.
Christophe Dugarry was Birmingham's liveliest player, though Chelsea 'keeper Carlo Cudicini was rarely tested.
Chelsea and Arsenal each have 20 points, but Chelsea has a better goal difference. The two teams meet at Highbury this Saturday. Defending champion Manchester United is third with 19 points.
Birmingham, which has conceded only five goals in eight games, moved to fourth with 15 points.
Chelsea manager Claudio Ranieri made four lineup changes from the team that beat Middlesbrough 10 days ago, giving England midfielder Joe Cole his first start. Cole was inconsistent, and he was replaced by Irishman Damien Duff in the second half. Ranieri paired Hasselbaink with Argentine international Hernan Crespo up front.
Defender Robert Huth played in place of William Gallas, who was injured in the prematch warmup.
In Division One, Sheffield United moved into first place following a 2-0 away win over West Bromwich Albion. Sheffield United and Wigan each have 26 points, but United has played one fewer game.
Wigan beat Stoke 2-1.
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