A resolute defensive performance by big-spending Manchester City ensured the spoils were shared by these two EPL top-four sides at the Emirates.

Arsenal started quickly and could have grabbed at least one early goal. But once City weathered that storm the Gunners were restricted to occasional efforts from distance.

And City’s determination to hold what they had meant they failed to muster a single shot on-target.

The Gunners hit the base of City keeper Joe Hart’s right-hand post twice in the opening half-hour.

Robin Van Persie’s left-foot shot from 25 yards flew past Hart’s left-hand in the ninth minute. And from almost the identical position, Cesc Fabregas repeated the trick with his right foot on 28 minutes.

Carlos Tevez’s volley over the bar from a tight angle in the 34^th minute was City’s only worthwhile effort of the night.

Hart was well-protected by his defence in a frustrating second half. But he was at his spectacular best in the 61^st minute to divert Van Persie’s 25-yard screamer past the angle of post and crossbar.

Arsenal’s Bacary Sagna and City’s Pablo Zabaleta were dismissed late on as they appeared to swap headbutts in a sideline confrontation, although Zabaleta’s offence was unclear.