Stoke City resisted late pressure to secure a point in a 1-1 draw with Arsenal on Saturday.
It was the home side who started the better and they might have led within a minute with a strike from Dean Whitehead, but Thomas Vermaelen cleared the danger.
Arsenal had a fine chance to take the lead after six minutes, however, with an effort from Yossi Benayoun, but his effort was clawed away by Potters stopper Asmir Begovic.
Robin van Persie was next to come close with a header, but Begovic produced a wonderful save to deny the Dutchman.
Stoke took the lead entirely against the run of play after nine minutes when Peter Crouch thumped a header into the back of the net.
It didn't take long for Arsenal to equalise, however, and Van Persie struck from close range after 15 minutes to level the score.
Van Persie might have added his second with an effort after 20 minutes, but Robert Huth was on hand to clear the danger, before Gervinho came close with an effort of his own.
The away side continued to dominate proceedings as the half approached its latter stages, but the score remained level at the break.
Van Persie might have put the Gunners into the lead moments into the second period, but Begovic was on hand to push the ball wide of the post.
Jonathan Walters was next to come close for the home side after 60 minutes, but he just fired wide from close range.
Kieran Gibbs was next to come close with an effort for the away side after 64 minutes, but Whitehead make a smart block to keep the score at 1-1.
Whitehead had a chance of his own after 67 minutes, but Aaron Ramsey blocked the effort.
Arsenal had a penalty appeal after 70 minutes when Benayoun was seemingly fouled in the area, but referee Chris Hoy waved play on much to the frustation of Arsene Wenger.
Walters might have won it late on with a header for the home side, but Wojciech Szczesny collected with ease.
Both sides had chances in the latter stages, but it just wasn't to be, as they shared the points.
The result leaves Arsenal in third spot in the table, while Stoke sit 14th.
Matt Law
