Arsenal's Premier League title charge was checked as the league leaders could find no way through third-placed Newcastle United in a disappointing 0-0 draw at The Emirates Stadium.
Victory would have given Arsenal a 10-point lead but they had to make do with a point against a rock-solid Newcastle who defended superbly to remain unbeaten since August.
The closest the hosts came to breaking the deadlock was in the 87th minute when Newcastle keeper Nick Pope made a great save to keep out a low shot by Eddie Nketiah while Arsenal also had a vociferous late penalty claim waved away.
Newcastle, who have the stingiest defence in the top flight this season, were content to sit deep for most of the evening although Joelinton wasted a good opportunity before the break.
The draw was a fair result though, leaving Arsenal on 44 points from 17 games, eight ahead of Manchester City who have played a game fewer and nine in front of Newcastle.
Elsewhere, Manchester United made it four wins from four without conceding in all competitions since the World Cup break as they cruised to a 3-0 victory over lowly Bournemouth to consolidate their hold on fourth spot.
Chances were few and far between in the Manchester rain in the first half, but Brazilian midfielder Casemiro did make one count by volleying home from a free-kick to give United the lead in the 23rd minute.
Bournemouth never really threatened to get an equaliser, with the game effectively over as a contest after a rare goal from England full-back Luke Shaw doubled the hosts' advantage early in the second half.
United missed a flurry of late chances to add a third before the club's top scorer this season, Marcus Rashford, added one more to his tally late on to put the seal on another impressive victory for Erik ten Hag's side.
The win gives United a five-point cushion over Tottenham Hotspur in fifth and draws them level on points with third-placed Newcastle United. Bournemouth stay 15th, two points above the relegation zone.
Reuters
