MANCHESTER (Sundiata Post) – In a tense showdown at the Etihad Stadium, Mikel Arteta’s title-chasing Arsenal held Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City to a gripping goalless draw as Liverpool moved top, showcasing a defensive masterclass that left both sides frustrated.
The match witnessed a rarity in the Premier League, with just three total shots on target, highlighting the intensity of the defensive battle. Remarkably, Arsenal’s offensive efforts were limited to just six shots, their lowest tally in a single Premier League fixture since November 2021.
However, Arsenal’s defensive resilience was the standout feature of the encounter, as they achieved a remarkable feat by keeping Manchester City off the scoresheet. The 0-0 stalemate marked the first time City failed to score in a Premier League home game since October 2021, ending an impressive club-record streak of 47 consecutive home league matches with at least one goal.
Moreover, Arsenal etched their name in the annals of football history by becoming only the fourth team to secure clean sheets in both league meetings against a Pep Guardiola-led side in a single season. This exclusive club includes Borussia Mönchengladbach in 2014-15, Manchester United in 2020-21, and Crystal Palace in 2021-22.
As the dust settled on this thrilling encounter, the ramifications of the draw reverberated across the Premier League. Liverpool’s triumph over Brighton earlier in the day propelled them two points clear at the top of the table. Yet, with three teams still firmly entrenched in the title race, the league remains finely balanced with nine games remaining. At this point, anything is possible, and with the title race wide open, it gets more exciting as we move towards the business end of this remarkable EPL season
