Arsenal 0 Southampton 0: Forster heroics frustrates title hopefuls

Arsenal lost further ground in the Premier League title race as Fraser Forster produced a stunning display to earn Southampton a goalless draw at Emirates Stadium.

The Southampton goalkeeper made a string of fine saves to ensure Arsene Wenger's side failed to score at home in the league for the fourth time this season and are now four games without a win in the top flight.

Ozil was unable to find a way past Forster, though, and the England international was on hand again after the break to deny Olivier Giroud and Alexis Sanchez.

The draw – combined with Tottenham's win over Norwich City – sees Arsenal slip to fourth, five points adrift of leaders Leicester City, while Saints climb to seventh.

A sublime piece of skill from Ozil in the 12th minute nearly lit the blue touch paper after a tight start, the German plucked a Sanchez pass out of the air only to see Forster save with his feet.

Southampton – who were without January signing Charlie Austin through injury – quickly registered their first chance less than a minute later, Mane unable to beat Petr Cech at his near post from Shane Long's flick.

Ozil was presented with another opportunity midway through the half after Giroud had met a Hector Bellerin cross, the forward diverted the ball towards goal, but was again denied by Forster. 

Forster was again on hand three minutes after the break to keep the hosts at bay, comfortably pawing away a curling effort from Giroud.

When Arsenal were finally able to get the ball past the 27-year-old keeper, James Ward-Prowse rescued Forster, the midfielder clearing off the line to deny Sanchez.

The hosts still needed to be alert at the back as the pace of Mane caused problems, but Southampton were equally as profligate in front of goal, Ronald Koeman's side grateful to one final save from Forster to leave Arsenal with one point from the sides' two league meetings this season.