Arsenal 0 Middlesbrough 0: Birthday blank for Wenger's table-toppers

Arsenal were unable to extend their winning run to eight matches in all competitions as Middlesbrough earned a deserved goalless draw.

Arsenal edged to the top of the Premier League, but there was little else to cheer for Arsene Wenger on his 67th birthday as his team played out a goalless draw against Middlesbrough at Emirates Stadium.

Winless since beating north-east rivals Sunderland in August, Boro could feel aggrieved not lead at the break after Petr Cech pulled off impressive saves to deny Adama Traore and Gaston Ramirez either side of the latter player clattering the angle of post and crossbar with a brilliant free-kick.

So fluent in recent weeks, Arsenal were fitful in attack as Victor…