The quantity of questions surrounding Arsenal's place in next season's UEFA Champions League increased on Saturday as Arsene Wenger's side were held to a goalless draw with West Ham at Emirates Stadium.

Arsenal welcomed their London rivals to the north of the capital already under pressure, trailing fourth-placed Premier League rivals Aston Villa by five points, and the doubts will have only increased following a failure to capitalise on dominance.

Wenger's men enjoyed the majority of possession, and opportunities to create, but the home side - who were fortunate Villa were held to an identical result against Wigan - sadly failed to produce clear-cut chances, adding to demands for Andrei Arshavin.

The first half was a forgettable affair, with Gunners midfielder Abou Diaby creating the only drama as his early header deflected off James Collins to hit the West Ham cross bar.

Arsenal, who surprisingly had Nicklas Bendtner in their first XI in place of substitute Robin van Persie, came out with all guns blazing after the interval and captain Kolo Toure saw a hooked effort cleared off the line by the excellent Collins.

West Ham continued to defend admirably and suffered only one major scare when Emmanuel Adebayor failed to convert when free at the near post.

It was a bright start by the home side, who almost snatched an early lead when Diaby's header from a corner deflected off defender Collins and onto the crossbar.

West Ham - who became the first team to win at Emirates Stadium in April 2007 during their successful battle against relegation - continued to sit back and invite pressure.