Arsenal came back down to Earth with a bump at humble Wigan as Arsene Wenger's side wasted a chance to consolidate their lead at the top of the Premier League on Sunday.
After their magnificent Champions League win against AC Milan in the San Siro in midweek, Arsenal were hailed as the best young team in Europe.
But the Gunners found it a lot harder to dazzle during a frustrating goalless draw on a horrible pitch at struggling Wigan.
With second placed Manchester United in FA Cup action, Arsenal could have opened up a four-point lead, but instead they had to settle for a point after a lethargic performance.
It could prove a decisive result as United can now knock Wenger's team out of top spot if they win their game in hand.
Arsenal could have snatched a lead after just 45 seconds when striker Emmanuel Adebayor raced through on goal, only for Wigan goalkeeper Chris Kirkland to deny the Togo striker with a fine save on the edge of the penalty area.
Antonia Valencia forced Arsenal keeper Manuel Almunia into action with a swerving effort from the edge of the penalty area.
Arsenal must have known it wasn't going to be their day when Cesc Fabregas shot straight at Kirkland in the last minute.
While, the leaders were spluttering to their third successive league draw, Everton show no signs of running out of gas in the race for the final Champions League spot.
David Moyes's side moved level on points with fourth-placed Liverpool after a 1-0 win away at Sunderland.
Andy Johnson got the only goal at the Stadium of Light to secure a fourth consecutive league win for the Blues, who are behind their Merseyside rivals only on goal difference.
Dimitar Berbatov got Tottenham Hotspur back on track as his double strike set up a 4-0 win over 10-man West Ham in a spiteful London derby at White Hart Lane on Sunday.
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