Arsenal slipped to a third draw in as may games as relegation battlers Wigan held them to a dull and dreary 0-0 draw at the JJB Stadium on Sunday. The draw meant Arsenal’s lead at the top of the Premier League table is all but gone and as far as the neutral is concerned, it is a beautifully balanced race for the title now.

The game started with the home side in a cautious mood as can be expected. However just 42 seconds into the game Togo striker Emmanuel Adebayor had a chance to put the visitors ahead, but was unable to beat a diving Chris Kirkland, who made a low save.

Mathieu Flamini was then fouled at the edged of the penalty area, but Cesc Fabregas was unable to convert the resulting free-kick on 3 minutes. Nicklas Bendtner then tried his luck with a long-range effort, but Kirkland was alert enough to tip it away.

Philippe Senderos fouled Emile Heskey in the 34th minute, but Wigan were unable to take advantage of Jason Koumas' fine cross. Adebayor was again in the thick of things three minutes after the interval and Kirkland had to be alert to foil him.

Antoine Sibierski replaced Heskey in the 55th minute, but that did not make much of a difference for Wigan's attack. Manuel Almunia was then called into action late on and had to palm away Antonio Valencia's fine drive from 25 yards out.

Robin van Persie then came on for Gunners for the first time this year since January 9, but even he was unable to break the deadlock and both sides had to settle for a point. The draw gives Wigan a much-needed point and takes them further away from the relegation zone although safety is still some way off.