Arsenal's winning run ends in frustrating draw with Middlesbrough

Arsenal were held to a frustrating goalless draw with plucky Middlesbrough at the Emirates Stadium.

The Gunners came into the match on top form having won seven consecutive matches but they came unstuck against a disciplined and stubborn Boro side who were unfortunate not to record only their second victory of the season.

In truth, Arsene Wenger – who was celebrating his 67th birthday – had his goalkeeper Petr Cech to thank for saving his side from an embarrassing home defeat. Boro spurned a number opportunities as they found Arsenal’s goalkeeper in inspirational form.

The former Chelsea keeper had to be at his brilliant best to deny Adama Traore in a one-on-one situation and minutes later the unmarked Gaston Ramirez saw his header saved from close range. The woodwork then denied Boro as Ramirez smashed a free-kick against the crossbar.

The hosts monopolised possession for large swathes of the second half but were unable to break down a well-drilled Boro defence. Alexis Sanchez came closest but the Chilean couldn’t find a way past Victor Valdes.

The hosts thought they had won the match in injury-time as Mesut Ozil found the net but his celebrations proved premature as the linesman had raised his flag.

It means Arsenal move top, ahead of Manchester City and Tottenham by a point. Boro are still without a win since August and stay in 17th.

Typical Arsenal flatter to deceive again. Having won seven consecutive matches, it must be so frustrating for the supporters to watch their team struggle at home to newly promoted Middlesbrough. No cake for birthday boy Arsene Wenger this evening - his day was ruined. It could have much worse, only for his goalkeeper, and the number of opportunities goal-shy Boro created must be particularly concerning.

Petr Cech (Arsenal) – The goalkeeper was outstanding and spared his side’s blushes. Adama Traore is a close runner-up - his pace and strength caused Arsenal’s defence all kinds of problems on the break.

Arsenal: Cech 8, Bellerin 5, Mustafi 5, Koscielny 5, Monreal 6, Coquelin 6, Elneny 6, Walcott 6, Ozil 6, Iwobi 6, Alexis 7. Subs: Perez 5, Oxlade-Chamberlain 5.

Middlesbrough: Valdes 7, Barragan 6, Ayala 6, Gibson 8, Friend 7, De Roon 6, Clayton 6, Traore 8, Forshaw 7, Ramirez 7, Negredo 6. Subs: Stuani N/A, Downing N/A.

10’ - JUST WIDE! Walcott gets in behind the defence and cuts a cross into the penalty area from the byline, it's cleared but only as far as Elneny whose first time effort from 25 yards is sent inches wide of the post.

17’ – CHANCE! Traore bursts into the penalty area and unloads a shot at goal that Cech does brilliantly to save! Negredo can't score from the rebound!

14’ - PENALTY APPEAL! Ozil is played into the penalty area by Walcott but is then brought down by Gibson! However, Mike Dean signals play on, much to the frustration of the home supporters.

21’ - OFF THE CROSSBAR! Up steps Ramirez to take the free-kick... he curls the ball around the wall and off the woodwork. Arsenal survive!

33’ - CHANCE! How are Boro not ahead at the Emirates? A cross is sent into the home penalty area which Negredo wins, finding the unmarked Ramirez at the back post but the forward can only head the ball straight at Cech.

47’ - CHANCE! Arsenal should be ahead. Valdes is all over the place as he flaps at the ball, allowing Sanchez to cross for Koscielny but it's too high for the defender.

51’ - CLOSE! Boro concede yet another free-kick and Arsenal have a chance to shoot from 25 yards. Sanchez steps up... and sends it just wide of the near post. Valdes may have had it covered, anyway.

53’ - FANTASTIC SAVE! The space finally opens in midfield for Alexis to unload from distance and he's only denied by a wonderful one-handed stop from Valdes.

89’ - CHANCE! Boro should have all three points! Negredo is played through by Traore with just the goalkeeper to beat but Koscienly does brilliantly to get across and make a last-ditch tackle on the forward.

Arsenal have won just one of their last seven Premier League meetings with Middlesbrough (D5 L1).

Middlesbrough kept their first Premier League clean sheet in London since a 1-0 win at Crystal Palace in April 2005 (23 games without one).

Arsene Wenger’s side failed to score in a home Premier League match for the first time since February (0-0 vs Southampton).

Middlesbrough had more shots than their opponents for only the second time in the Premier League this season, though have failed to win either game (also vs Watford).

No team has kept more Premier League clean sheets than Arsenal in 2016 (14, level with Leicester).

Today was the third time Arsene Wenger took charge of a Premier League game on his birthday, but the first time he failed to win (1-0 v Man City in 2005 and 4-0 v Reading in 2006).