MIKEL SCORES MORAL VICTORY

Big guns draw a blank but Arteta will be the happier

- Jeremy Cross

THIS was supposed to be a clash of the titans to provide some classic Easter Sunday afternoon viewing.

It was more like a clash of the tight uns, with both conceding creating little.

nothing, while It was the first time since October 2021 City had failed to score in a home league game - and the first time this year Arsenal had failed to win.

Despite all the huffing and puffing, there were just three shots on target. By the time the much-welcomed final whistle blew, both resembled two ageing heavyweight boxers who'd punched themselves out - without landing a single blow.

There was little doubting who the happiest manager was at the final whistle.

Mikel Ateta left Manchester with what he came for, which was a point to keep his side above City and in hot pursuit of leaders Liverpool in this most gripping of title races.

This time last year Arsenal would have been unable to engineer a result like this.