Liverpool finished the weekend top of the Premier League table after Manchester City and Arsenal played to a goalless draw on Sunday evening.
Premier League
Result: Manchester City 0-0 Arsenal
Date: 31 March 2024
Venue: Etihad Stadium
Man City made only two changes following their FA Cup win over Newcastle United, as Kevin De Bruyne took the place of Jeremy Doku and Nathan Ake replaced Kyle Walker, who picked up an injury with England during the FIFA break.
Arsenal, on the other hand, had Bukayo Saka fit to start despite withdrawing from the Three Lions' international schedule, as Gabriel Jesus was the only change from their last UEFA Champions League outing against Porto.
The game followed a tactical rhythm in the early stages, with chances few and far between between the two organized sides.
Despite Pep Guardiola's charges dominating possession and doing most of the pressing, the first biggest chance fell to the Gunners on the half-hour mark after Jesus received a well cushioned pass in the box but he dragged his shot wide.
City continued to dominate the game as they spent more time in Arsenal's half but they could not carve out opportunities and the sides went to the half-time break deadlocked.
City midfielder Mateo Kovacic brought the game to life two minutes from the break with a stunning curler that flew a little over the crossbar.
In spite of the spark, particularly from the Citizens, there was still lacking the end product and on hour-mark, Guardiola injected new energy into his attack as Jack Grealish and Doku replaced both Kovacic and Phil Foden.
However, the pace of the game went down, especially with 12 minutes to go after Arsenal talisman Saka went down injured and he was replaced Gabriel Martinelli. The game could go either way in the closing stages, as both sides looked to steal all the three points but it remained all square until the final whistle.
The Gunners dropped down to second spot on the table, two points behind leaders Liverpool and the Citizens remained a point behind Mikel Arteta's charges in third place.
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