Chelsea 0-0 Norwich City

Chelsea missed the chance to make one last statement in the title race – a draw denying them top spot and just about ending their title hopes.

It was a tame way for a thrilling campaign to end but Norwich deserved the point that keeps alive their slender hopes of beating the drop.

In truth, even a win would hardly have roused a subdued Stamford Bridge, with title contenders Man City and Liverpool having games in hand in the final week of the season.

At kick-off, the chants about that Steven Gerrard mishap a week ago were testament to the realisation that Chelsea's fate is to be remembered as the spoilers of Liverpool's dream rather than as winners of the Premier League crown.

No way through: Eden Hazard shields the ball from Norwich's Robert Snodgrass

The only plus point for the Blues on a dull afternoon were that they are effectively guaranteed third place and automatic Champions League group qualification because of their goal difference.

But few felt like celebrating at the end – least of all Branislav Ivanovic, who turned on the crowd behind him in fury when they complained about the time he was taking to launch a late free-kick into the Norwich half. Frustration all round.

Jose Mourinho at least did not have to endure the trauma of a third successive home defeat following losses to Sunderland – that wrecked their title hopes – and Atletico Madrid in the Champions League semi-final.

It was a game of very few chances, with Norwich set up to contain and hope for something on the break.

It was an approach the Chelsea boss will not be able to complain about as it has served his own team so well in recent weeks.

After a desperate first half, Chelsea badly needed an injection of zest and Mourinho brought on both David Luiz and Eden Hazard for the start of the second half – two players in his bad books this week for off-message comments in the wake of the European exit.

Within moments of the restart, Hazard had created room for the Brazilian to flash a shot against the crossbar and the Belgian had provoked howls of derision in home fans for the non award of a penalty when he tumbled in the area. Replays showed the ref got it right.

There was another close shave when Alex Tetty dived in on Andre Schurrle inside the area, but ref Neil Swarbrick decided the defender got the ball before the man.

But there is no doubt Hazard's presence made a goal more likely and he later forced Ruddy into another save with a low shot inside the area.

Norwich grew in confidence as their defensive solidity endured and they would have taken the lead on 70 minutes but for the excellence of Gary Cahill.

The England centre-half scampered back to block a Robert Snodgrass effort after sub Nathan Redmond had played in the Scottish midfielder in a sharp breakaway.

In the first half, Chelsea survived a strong penalty appeal early on when John Terry's uncontrolled slide brought down Martin Olsson in the box.

But the visitors were mostly intent on sitting back and absorbing whatever Chelsea could throw at the them.

Terry was soon involved at the other end of the pitch – heading a corner at John Ruddy - and Schurrle, found in space by Nemanja Matic, almost broke the deadlock with a cut in from the left and low shot against the far post.

The German then tried his luck on the right flank and forced Ruddy to his knees with another cut inside followed by a low rasper. But it was a forgettable half of few chances.

As it turned out, the second half was not much better, with the Blues looking tired and uninspired.

Line-up: Schwarzer; Ivanovic, Terry, Cahill, Cole; Lampard (David Luiz h/t), Matic (Torres 73); Schurrle, Willian Salah (Hazard h/t); Ba. Subs not used: Hilario, Van Ginkel, Hazard, Eto'o, Kalas

Attendance: 41,602