Stoke City and Arsenal remained in search of their first English Premier League win of the season after a goalless draw at the Britannia Stadium on Sunday.

A share of the spoils left Stoke 11th and Arsenal 12th on the table after playing two league games each.

The Gunners had the best of the chances but, in the absence of star striker Robin van Persie – sold to Manchester United – failed to find the back of the net in a second successive scoreless draw.

Stoke started the brighter side and, buoyed by a vociferous home crowd, had a ‘goal’ ruled out early on for offside.

Jonathan Walters found the net from a Peter Crouch knockdown but referee Lee Mason halted the celebrations.

Arsenal had numerous chances to break the deadlock before halftime as they adjusted to life without van Persie.

A Lukas Podolski shot was blocked by Andy Wilkinson with replays suggesting an arm might have been used by the Stoke defender.

As was the case against Sunderland on the opening day of the season, new Arsenal midfielder Santi Cazorla, a summer signing from Malaga, enjoyed plenty of possession in midfield.

It was Cazorla who fired wide after his initial free-kick had hit the Stoke wall as Arsenal searched for the breakthrough.

Cazorla forced Asmir Begovic into a save before Podolski blazed over the crossbar.

It was not all one-way traffic though and Stoke offered a renewed attacking threat of their own.

A tame shot from the right from Wilkinson was comfortably gathered by Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone – in the side because Wojciech Szczesny failed a fitness test on a rib injury.

Mannone then saved well from a fiercely-struck shot by Michael Kightly, Stoke’s summer signing from Wolves.

The visitors could have had the lead before the break when Mason played advantage after Mikel Arteta had been felled in midfield, and Cazorla’s bending effort forced a save at full stretch from Begovic.

The second half started slowly before Jermaine Pennant, the former Arsenal midfielder, had claims for a penalty waved away by Mason after a coming together with Kieran Gibbs.

Stoke manager Tony Pulis brought on forward Cameron Jerome for Pennant, meaning the hosts had three strikers on the pitch.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger sent on England wingers Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain and Theo Walcott as he desperately looked to break the deadlock.

Liverpool, bottom of the table after a 3-0 defeat by West Bromwich Albion last weekend, are at home to champions Manchester City later on Sunday.