Mark Hughes’s men had the better of the game at the Britannia Stadium against a Gunners side missing both Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil through injuryArsenal returned to the top of the Premier League after a tight 0-0 draw at bogey club Stoke City, with Jack Butland again in sparkling form.

The 22-year-old goalkeeper made terrific saves to deny Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Olivier Giroud twice, while Arsenal’s Petr Cech made a superb double stop to keep the scores level.

Arsenal had not won at Stoke since February 2010 and never looked likely to find a way through Butland, who continues to pile the pressure on Joe Hart for his England place.

Stoke, having already beaten Manchester United, Chelsea and Manchester City at home this season, had the better of the game without creating clear chances and Mark Hughes’ men could not break the deadlock.

The draw sees Arsenal climb above Leicester City and back to the top of the Premier League on goal difference, while Stoke remain handily placed in seventh spot.

Arsenal were without playmaker Mesut Ozil due to a foot injury, with Alexis Sanchez not ready to return and new signing Mohamed Elneny named on the bench, while Xherdan Shaqiri’s hamstring injury kept him out for Stoke.

Goal.com

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