In a highly anticipated clash with significant implications for the Premier League title race, Manchester City and Arsenal battled to a tense and cautious stalemate at the Etihad Stadium.
Despite the expectations surrounding the attacking prowess of both teams, it was the defensive units that ultimately proved dominant throughout the match.
Clear-cut goal-scoring opportunities were scarce, with both sides struggling to break through their opponent’s defense. Manchester City’s Nathan Ake came closest in the first half with a mistimed header from close range, while Gabriel Jesus narrowly missed connecting with a low cross from Bukayo Saka shortly after halftime.
The match was characterized by a lack of decisive moments in front of goal, exemplified by a missed opportunity when a flicked header eluded Erling Haaland at the back post late in the second half.
With neither team able to land a telling blow in the title race, the result sees Liverpool maintain their position at the top of the Premier League table.
The goalless draw ended City’s run of scoring in their last 57 home games.
Liverpool’s 2-1 win against Brighton earlier in the day means they now stand two points clear of second-place Arsenal, with City a point further back in third.
Martin Odegaard tells Sky Sports: “We wanted three points and tried our best to get a win, it wasn’t enough but we’ll take a point and move on.
“We had to defend a lot, more deep than we planned. We were dangerous in certain moments on the counter and we managed to keep the ball a bit.
“We could have won it but it was a tight game, a tough one.
“There’s a long way to go, so much can happen and we have to take it game by game.”
William Saliba adds that the team are “not satisfied” with a draw but nonetheless overall still “happy”.
