FIXTURE HEADACHE FOR BRUCE

IT IS difficult to know for sure whether Steve Bruce was genuinely happy with a draw at the home of the Premier League-title favourites, or secretly deflated his side must now cram yet another game into their already heavily congested fixture list.

What the City boss can be pleased with is his side’s ability to keep grinding out results. There were times when Arsenal were close to their best, but the visitors were dogged from the first whistle to the last.

Eldin Jakupovic was the star of the show but all of City’s defenders and defensive midfielders put in an almighty shift. It is that level of determination that will surely see them secure one of the automatic promotion spots come the end of the season.