It is fair to say that the bar was set low for Arsenal. On eight previous occasions in all competitions, they had visited the Etihad Stadium to take on Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City. On all eight they had lost. This was much better. It was not the statement victory they had craved, the one to ignite dreams of a first Premier League title in 20 years.
But it was a result that kept them above the defending champions with another game chalked off, the margins narrowing further in the race for the title. If Liverpool, watching from the other end of the East Lancs Road after their home victory against Brighton, were the day’s winners, going two points clear, then Arsenal could not grumble.
For the first time in 58 matches at the Etihad Stadium, City were held goalless; a club‑record sequence brought to the most grinding of halts. That meant a lot to Arteta.
Currently Liverpool are two points ahead of 2nd place Arsenal and 3 points ahead of current champions Man City.
