ARSENAL went top of the English Premier League after being held to 0-0 at home by struggling Middlesbrough on Saturday, Arsene Wenger’s 67th birthday.

    The Gunners’ run of six straight league victories came to an end, but it could have been worse if it wasn’t for Petr Cech’s brilliance in goal.

    Meanwhile, Liverpool secured a deserved victory over West Brom 2-1, but conceded a late goal to miss out on going top of the Premier League.

    Wenger was disappointed by his side’s lack of creativity, citing the absence of the injured Santi Cazorla as a key factor.

    “We didn’t have our usual pace and combination, and not enough sharpness in our movement,” Wenger said. “We could not win it (but) at least we were attentive enough to not lose it.”

    Middlesbrough manager Aitor Karanka was pleased, having seen his side keep a clean sheet for the first time since August.

    “We should have won the game, but a point was really good,” he said.

    Having survived an ominous opening quarter camped on the edge of its own penalty area, Middlesbrough settled and grew in confidence at Emirates Stadium.

    Adama Traore took advantage of Laurent Koscielny’s lapse in concentration to get in behind the Arsenal defense but was thwarted by a fine Cech save. Alvaro Negredo misfired the rebound.

    Middlesbrough continued to threaten through Gaston Ramirez, who first struck the woodwork with a near-perfect free kick, then headed an even better opportunity straight at the surprisingly busy Cech.

    Inspired by Alexis Sanchez, Arsenal emerged with renewed intent after halftime. He fired just wide from a free kick before forcing two fine saves from Victor Valdes. However, the action was far from one way, as Traore came close once more, drawing a full-stretch save from Cech after a pulsating run from inside his own half. (SD-Agencies)