Mikel Arteta’s team continues to hold the third position in the league, trailing Liverpool by six points and having played one more match than the Reds, who managed a 2-2 draw at home against Fulham. The Gunners controlled 76% of possession and took 13 shots but were unable to break through against a well-organized Everton defense that managed only two attempts throughout the match.
The first opportunity for Everton came in the sixth minute, when Abdoulaye Doucoure was sent through but hesitated too long, resulting in his angled shot being blocked by Gabriel. Despite dominating possession for the remainder of the game, Arsenal struggled to create significant scoring chances. Captain Martin Odegaard missed the target with one shot and had another effort deflected away by Jordan Pickford.
Pickford made a remarkable reflex save to deny Bukayo Saka at the beginning of the second half. Although Arsenal pressed for a goal, they could not find the back of the net. This match was crucial for Arsenal if they hoped to remain in contention for the title, but their failure to convert chances proved costly. After finishing as runners-up to Manchester City in the last two seasons, their hopes of clinching a first title since 2003-04 took a significant hit.
With their latest performance, Arsenal has now failed to win in half of their 16 league matches this season and has drawn twice in a row, following last weekend’s result against Fulham. As anticipated, they dominated possession, yet without a recognized striker, they lacked the finishing touch in the attacking third. Gabriel Jesus was introduced from the bench with 20 minutes left, but the Brazilian could not make a difference and has not scored in his last 23 top-flight appearances.
Saka had the best chance for Arsenal but was thwarted by Pickford’s outstanding performance. Even though the team earned eight corners—having scored the most goals from set pieces since last season—they could not capitalize on any of them this time. Conversely, Everton will leave the match feeling pleased with their effort, having secured a well-deserved point and a clean sheet.
Doucoure missed a good opportunity early on, and a late scare arose in the 90th minute when Vitalii Mykolenko and Thomas Partey collided in the box, but both the referee and VAR ruled it was not a penalty. The Blues remain in 15th place, just three points above the relegation zone, and although they have lost only two of their last 11 matches, they have secured only three victories all season.
