Arsenal 0-0 Manchester United
There were points to prove and Premier League points on the line at the Emirates for this teatime clash between old foes.
For so long the definitive fixture in the Premier League, even home boss Mikel Arteta admitted pre-match this would lack the fireworks of old where flashpoints were the norm.
And he was largely right.
Not that there weren’t Premier League highlights to capture the attention.
Highlights of the game
The SBOTOP Premier League betting odds on an Arsenal triumph were certainly weakened by the news before kick-off that captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang would miss a third successive match – he has been spending time with his ill mother during the past week.
In addition, full-back Kieran Tierney was not yet ready to return.
There was, however, a potential boost with new loan signing Martin Odegaard named on the bench.
The Gunners made one change following their victory over Southampton in midweek as Gabriel Martinelli replaced Bukayo Saka.
By contrast, Manchester United, wounded by a shock and humbling defeat at home to bottom club Sheffield United in midweek, were much changed with Edinson Cavani among those named in the starting line-up, along with Fred, Victor Lindelof, Luke Shaw and Scott McTominay – although the latter was clearly struggling and left the fray before the break seemingly unwell.
It took until the 21st minute before the first real chance arrived as a United corner was cleared to Fred on the edge of the box and the midfielder fired towards the top corner only for Bernd Leno to tip behind the shot.
Arsenal duly attacked and had two half chances in quick succession as Granit Xhaka planted a header from a corner too close to David de Gea before Alexandre Lacazette narrowly failed to get onto the end of a dangerous ball.
Nicolas Pepe swept a shot just wide too before Bruno Fernandes went even closer to giving the visitors an interval lead as he got the better of David Luiz and rifled the ball narrowly wide.
The introduction of Willian at the start of the second half sparked the Gunners into immediate action and it took important blocks from Aaron Wan-Bissaka and Harry Maguire to keep the home side out.
The closest we got to a goal was just after the hour as Lacazette was brought down on the edge of the box and dusted himself off before smashing the resulting free-kick against the crossbar.
Both sides went in search for a winner and United almost snatched it late on as Cavani volleyed just wide.
A goalless draw, a deserved draw and a sign both sides are, potentially, moving in the right direction.
Key statistics
United have now set a new club record of 18 league away games without defeat, winning 13 and drawing five.
Arsenal are undefeated in the past five Premier League meetings, winning three, drawing two and keeping four clean sheets.
They have kept a clean sheet in four successive home games in all competitions, as many as in their previous 19 at Emirates Stadium.
By coming on as a half-time substitute, Willian become the first Brazilian to make 250 Premier League appearances.
Late sub Odegaard became the first Norwegian to appear for Arsenal since Pal Lydersen against Tottenham in May 1993.
What’s next?
A frenetic season resumes with barely pause for breath as Arsenal travel to Wolves on Tuesday night (February 2) and then visit Aston Villa next Saturday lunchtime.
Likewise, United host Southampton on Tuesday evening and then welcome Everton to Old Trafford a week tonight (Feb 6).
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE FOOTBALL STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
