Arsenal reclaimed top spot in the Premier League after playing out a 0-0 draw with Stoke City at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday.
The two goalkeepers were the star performers in a fixture where both sides were unable to convert gilt-edged goal scoring opportunities.
Stoke shot-stopper Jack Butland denied Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Olivier Giroud to keep the home side in the contest, before Petr Cech was required to pull off a stunning double save from Joselu, then Bojan Krkic.
Aaron Ramsey cleared Jon Walters' header off the line in the dying stages to ensure the score remained deadlocked at the final whistle.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Stoke City: 0
Arsenal: 0
Britannia Stadium, Stoke-on-Trent (27,683)
TALKING POINTS
Stoke keeper Jack Butland continued his stunning form this season and was again the a major reason why the Potters managed to pick up a point from the contest. The 22-year-old is putting serious pressure on Joe Hart for the England number one spot ahead of Euro 2016.
Arsenal were not their usual selves without the creativity of playmaker and Premier League assists leader Mesut Ozil, but still managed to create enough goal scoring opportunities to win the contest had their finishing been more ruthless.
WHAT'S NEXT?
Stoke City travel to the King Power Stadium to take on Leicester City on Saturday, while Arsenal host Chelsea at the Emirates Stadium.
TWITTER INSIGHT
thanks for the messages, really happy to get another clean sheet! just a shame @PetrCech was unreal again today! pic.twitter.com/tg1UZdKuzE
— Jack Butland (@JackButland_One) January 17, 2016We fought hard today and showed character! Thanks to the fans for their fantastic support. #arsenal#premierleaguepic.twitter.com/k5eF7dvonV
— Mathieu flamini (@Matflam) January 17, 2016We had to work hard for a point today. As always, thanks to our travelling fans for the support. Time to prepare for Chelsea#AFC
— Aaron Ramsey (@aaronramsey) January 17, 2016
QUOTES CORNER
Stoke boss Mark Hughes believes a draw was a fair result:
"It was a game between evenly matched sides. Both teams approached the game in the right manner and created chances. All-in-all we're pleased. It shows our progress. Teams have found it difficult to get points here."
Arsenalmanager Arsene Wenger lamented his side's lack of poise in front of goal:
"Maybe we had a better opportunities to score, they played very well, very physical and were very direct, which is an unusual style for them.
"We needed to be strong physically and had a great spirit, we fought very hard but couldn't take our chances."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
81 - Jack Butland has made more saves this season in the Premier League than any other goalkeeper (81). Repel.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 17, 201610 - Petr Cech has kept 10 clean sheets against Stoke City in his PL career - only against Newcastle has he kept more (12). Barrier.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) January 17, 2016