Arsenal bowed out of the EPL title race with a whimper after this tedious goalless draw with fourth-place chasing Manchester City at the Emirates.

Gunners’ striker Robin Van Persie gave the crowd glimpses of what Arsenal have missed during his lengthy injury spell.

But otherwise, the interest came from the terrific reception given to ex-Arsenal star Patrick Viera when he was substituted, and the terrible reception afforded his replacement, fellow ex-Gunner Emanuel Adebayor.

City received a setback when Ireland international goalkeeper Shay Given dislocated his left shoulder making a rare save late in the game.

Only Samr Nasri’s left-foot shot forced Given into first-half action, although Nasri was clean through on goal earlier on, only to be harshly flagged offside.

Van Persie hit the side-netting with a first-half effort and headed over a Nasri cross after the break.

But Abou Diaby had the best effort on 70 minutes, his right-foot shot turned around the post by Given, who landed heavily and awkwardly on his left shoulder and was stretchered away in some pain after receiving lengthy treatment.

Van Persie was narrowly wide with a late left-footed free-kick.

City, meanwhile, failed to muster an attempt of note throughout the ninety minutes.