The point was earned byNewcastle United after a hard fought performance at the home of the leaders in the premier league.
They were hoping to extend their lead at the top of the table to 10 points but found themselves drawn into an attritional and hard fought encounter by a side with top four ambitions of their own.
In the first half, chances were at a premium and the best chance of all was missed byJoelinton when he headed wide from close range.
Nick Pope made a crucial late save with his legs from Eddie Nketiah, after Gabriel and Gabriel Martinelli both narrowly missed their targets.
Despite being held at home, the game did not end in a draw, with seven yellow cards and no goals.
It may only be early January, but Mikel Arteta's frantic touchline behavior may have given an insight into the growing expectations surrounding the team.
Arteta was on the edge of his technical area for so long until the end, confronting fourth official Jarred Gillett when only five minutes were added on at the end then moving towards opposite number Eddie Howe after late penalty appeals were rejected before being ushered away.
It didn't give off an air of calm when one was needed, as the defensive approach of the team and the desire to drag the team into a fight led to frustration all around.
When Arteta calms down he can still assess a job being well done but this was a night when his team ran into a formidable barrier in the shape ofNewcastle, their work deteriorated after a bright start, although they still almost snatched it at the end through Nketiah.
Manchester City have a game in hand and are eight points behind.
It was never going to be plain sailing for the Gunners and this was one of those occasions, the demeanor of Arteta reflecting whatNewcastle will regard as a highly satisfactory result.
There's more to come.
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