Gunners held at Pompey

Arsene Wenger's side spurned late chances to take the three points they required to go back top after Manchester United's win at Sunderland.

It was the fifth game in a row that Harry Redknapp's side had failed to score at home but the result could prove significant in the race for the title.

Top-scorer Benjani, won a free-kick on the right and the resulting cross, although initially botched by Sulley Muntari, led to the best chance of the first half. Muntari's second attempt at delivering the ball was brought down by Papa Bouba Diop, who lost no time in firing in a powerful drive that Manuel Almunia did well to divert round his right-hand post.

Opposite number David James showed he was still capable of a good-looking save when he threw himself skywards to stop Tomas Rosicky's curled effort from reaching the top corner in the 37th minute.

Almunia was required to get behind efforts from Benjani and then Niko Kranjcar as the home side continued to press after the break.

Indeed, Benjani, with eight goals to his name already this season, almost made it happen in the 75th minute when Kanu's superb through-ball put him clear of the Arsenal back line.

Almunia came out to meet him and succeeded in slowing his path forwards as the man from Zimbabwe had to veer off at an angle and that was enough for Clichy to clear.

Gallas might have won it for the Gunners with three minutes but scooped it over.

Four minutes of added time followed but the game was destined to remain scoreless when Rosicky scuffed a great final chance wide.