City and Arsenal forced to share the spoils after the title rivals played out a 0-0 draw at the Etihad Stadium.
Jesus twice went close in the first half against his former team, while Ake also wasted a chance at the other end.
Kovacic nearly scored a brilliant long-range opener after the restart, but while City pressed for a winner late on, they failed to score for the first time in 58 home games in all competitions, and the scoreline ended goalless.
The result means Liverpool remain top having beaten Brighton earlier on Sunday, holding a two-point advantage at the summit over second-placed Arsenal, while City are three points behind the leaders in third.
Both City and Arsenal are back in action on Wednesday, when the former will host Aston Villa while the Gunners welcome Luton Town.
