Manchester City and Arsenal handed Liverpool the advantage in the Premier League title race as they played out a bitterly disappointing goalless stalemate at Etihad Stadium.2022 Manchester City and Arsenal handed Liverpool the advantage in the Premier League title race as they played out a bitterly disappointing goalless stalemate at Etihad Stadium.

SUN 31 MAR 2024PREMIER LEAGUE Man City 0 Arsenal 0

FT HT 0-0 Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal: Premier League title rivals play out disappointing goalless draw By Phil McNulty Chief football writer at Etihad Stadium Last updated on3 hours ago3 hours ago. From the sectionPremier League 2273 Manchester City had not been involved in a goalless game since a Champions League group-stage match at Borussia Dortmund in October 2022 Manchester City had not been involved in a goalless game since a Champions League group-stage match at Borussia Dortmund in October 2022 Manchester City and Arsenal handed Liverpool the advantage in the Premier League title race as they played out a bitterly disappointing goalless stalemate at Etihad Stadium. Liverpool are now top of the table, two points clear of Arsenal and three ahead of City, after they came from behind to beat Brighton at Anfield, their delight increased by their two closest rivals cancelling each other out. This was a game that made a nonsense of its billing as a potential classic, as Arsenal's containing tactics snuffed out City while the Gunners had only limited chances of their own in a desperately poor affair. Nathan Ake had an early close-range header saved by Arsenal keeper David Raya before going off injured while former City striker Gabriel Jesus posed an occasional threat, just failing to connect with Bukayo Saka's cross inches from goal after the break. 'Stern and steely Arsenal not going away in title race' Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will be happier than City counterpart Pep Guardiola with this outcome - but the real winners were Jurgen Klopp and Liverpool. Relive Man City v Arsenal and all of Sunday's Premier League action and reaction How did you rate Manchester City's performance? Have your say here What did you make of Arsenal's display? Send us your views here Man City stifled and infuriated by visitors Guardiola's side were under greater pressure to win this match but their usual fluent passing game was rarely in evidence, stifled by the visitors' organisation and infuriated by referee Anthony Taylor's reluctance to punish the Gunners for a succession of infringements. It led to a scrappy, disjointed game in which City were never allowed to gather their usual momentum and rhythm, with even the best efforts of master creators Kevin de Bruyne and Bernardo Silva unable to carve out meaningful opportunities for Erling Haaland, who was kept on the margins throughout. The hosts held sway in possession for most of the second half but it was illustrative of the game that Raya barely had an anxious moment, his counterpart Stefan Ortega also idle for long periods. Indeed, it is the first time City have failed to score at home in the Premier League since October 2021, a run of 47 games. The reigning champions, as usual, will remain confident of retaining their title but Guardiola will be bitterly disappointed at his side's failure to trouble Arsenal, with substitute Jack Grealish on the end of some lengthy post-match advice from his manager. City are back here at Etihad Stadium to face in-form Aston Villa on Wednesday night knowing they cannot afford any more slip-ups in this tight Premier League title pursuit.