This was billed as one of the games of the season to watch.

 Whoever won this one, it was said would go on to win the English Premier League (EPL) trophy.

It turned out to be a tepid affair with both teams being pressed into their respective defensive parts of the pitch. Manchester City’s main man Erling Harland has scored an impressive 18 goals this season but today had no shot on target. Arsenal’s Gabriel had the big striker in his pocket all afternoon.

Manchester City has not lost a game for 117 days and this was the one that would take Mikel Arteta’s men to the top.

Last season Arsenal were in contention but faded away when the race got tighter. The Gunners have vowed not to slip up this season and bring home the EPL trophy again, the first time in twenty years. 

Today, Arsenal was dogged in defence with Declan Rice and William Salina being resolute.

This was the first time Manchester City has failed to score at home since October 2021. Dropping points here could cost the Blues come late Spring.

Pep Guardiola brought on Jack Grealish and Jeremy Doku to change things up and add some pep after an hour. They looked energetic but were really ineffectual in punching through Arsenal’s backline.

It must be said that Phil Foden did not have a good game today.

In his post-match interview, Mikel Arteta said: “When you don’t win you are never happy. We have made a big step since last season. The commitment of all the players today was exceptional. Our defence was very good today. We were high on the pitch and won the ball.

“We are still in the title race and there is a lot to play for.”