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Arsenal drops 5 points behind in title race after draw

LONDON — Arsenal dropped five points behind leader Leicester in the English Premier League with a goalless draw against Southampton yesterday (Feb 2).

Stephen Ireland of Stoke City shoots a volley during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on February 2, 2016 in London, England. Photo: Getty Images

Stephen Ireland of Stoke City shoots a volley during the Barclays Premier League match between Arsenal and Southampton at the Emirates Stadium on February 2, 2016 in London, England. Photo: Getty Images

LONDON — Arsenal dropped five points behind leader Leicester in the English Premier League with a goalless draw against Southampton yesterday (Feb 2).

Arsene Wenger’s side found Southampton goalkeeper Fraser Forster on top form at Emirates Stadium and the north London side has now taken just three points in four games.

The result means the Gunners drop to fourth behind rival Tottenham, which leads on goal difference after a 3-0 win at Norwich.

While Forster was immense in goal, the Gunners had enough opportunities to win with Mesut Ozil and Laurent Koscielny both missing chances, the defender heading over the bar with the `keeper off his goalline.

It was a frustrating evening for Wenger whose side has now won just once in the league in 2016, against Newcastle on Jan. 2.

“The performance we wanted to produce was there,” Wenger said. “When you have our ambition, it’s of course frustrating.

“He (Forster) had a brilliant game... but the quality of our finishing was poor. We have to respond quickly and win our next game.”

Southampton was the better team at the start and Arsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech had to tip James Ward-Prowse’s free kick round the post.

Ozil missed a good chance for Arsenal when his close-range effort was pushed wide by Forster.

Forster also tipped away Olivier Giroud’s shot, which was bound for the top corner, before thwarting former Southampton player Theo Walcott as well as pushing away Alexis Sanchez’s header.

Koscielny should have scored with 20 minutes remaining but his miss from in front of goal highlighted a misfiring Arsenal side.

While it was a frustrating night for the hosts, Southampton moved up to seventh and is now unbeaten in four games. AP

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