… As Man City, Arsenal play out cagey stalemate
Liverpool remains top of the Premier League table after Manchester City and Arsenal played out a cagey 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium on Easter Sunday.
Unlike Easter Bunny, neither the Citizens or the Gunners were able to deliver on Sunday in an eagerly-anticipated title showdown, with clear-cut chances at a premium.
Nathan Ake went the closest to scoring for the hosts early in the first half before he hobbled off injured, and Gabriel Jesus also had a couple of first-half opportunities for the Gunners against his former club.
Man City penned Arsenal back into its half for much of the second 45, but was ultimately unable to find a way through a resilient and well-organised Gunners backline, and the spoils were eventually shared from the tense contest.
Neither Pep Guardiola or Mikel Arteta will turn their nose up at claiming a point apiece from such a seismic clash in the title race, but the true winner of the Easter weekend is new leader, Liverpool, who sits two points clear of second-placed Arsenal and three points ahead of Man City in third following their 2-1 win over Brighton & Hove Albion earlier this afternoon.
Following a frantic start in the middle of the pitch in front of a pumped-up atmosphere at the Etihad, it was the Citizens who took control of proceedings early doors. However, Arsenal had the first attempt on goal in the seventh minute when Jesus chested down a floated Ben White cross inside the area and dragged a tame effort against the side netting at the near post.
Man City enjoyed a sustained period of possession until it created the first real opportunity from a corner in the 15th minute, when De Bruyne curled an inviting delivery towards Ake inside a packed six-yard box, but the Dutchman could only glance his header straight at David Raya.
While City continued to patiently probe in the final third, boasting 75% possession, Arsenal struggled to put a string of passes together and were forced to primarily concentrate on keeping the hosts’ lively attackers quiet inside their own half.
The Etihad faithful and Man City players vented their frustration towards referee Anthony Taylor as he allowed a number of late Arsenal challenges go unpunished, opting to keep his cards in his pocket.
Meanwhile, Mohamed Salah fired the winner at Anfield on Sunday as Liverpool fought back to beat Brighton 2-1 to move top of the Premier League.
Danny Welbeck gave the visitors the lead with two minutes on the clock but Luis Diaz restored parity before the break. Salah’s 65th-minute strike sealed the three points that were enough to lift Liverpool top of the league.
Liverpool staged a rousing recovery to move top of the Premier League with a frantic 2-1 victory over Brighton at Anfield.
Liverpool moves onto 67 points from 29 games, giving them the advantage over Arsenal and Manchester City who drew 0-0 later on Sunday.