Arsenal missed an opportunity to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool, settling for a disappointing 0-0 draw with Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Liverpool’s earlier 2-2 draw with Fulham had left the door ajar, but the Gunners failed to take advantage and remain six points behind the leaders, having played one game more.
Despite dominating possession with 76% of the ball and attempting 13 shots, Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to break down a determined Everton defense. In contrast, Everton managed just two shots throughout the game but stood firm to earn a valuable point.
Arsenal’s lack of finishing proves costly
The Gunners were eager to stay in the title race, but their inability to convert chances into goals highlighted a recurring issue. Arsenal’s control of the game was evident, but the absence of a clinical striker made it difficult to capitalize on their dominance.
Martin Odegaard came close in the first half with a shot that went wide and another deflected effort saved by Jordan Pickford. Bukayo Saka, one of Arsenal’s brightest sparks, forced a spectacular save from the Everton goalkeeper early in the second half, but the breakthrough never came.
Gabriel Jesus, brought on as a late substitute, extended his goalless run to 23 league matches, underscoring Arsenal’s struggles in the attacking third. Although they earned eight corners in the game – a strength for the Gunners in recent seasons – none resulted in a decisive goal.
Everton’s defensive grit earns valuable point
Everton, currently battling to stay clear of relegation, showed resilience throughout the contest. Their best opportunity came in the sixth minute when Abdoulaye Doucoure hesitated on a promising chance, allowing Gabriel to block his shot.
The Toffees relied heavily on Jordan Pickford, whose reflex saves kept Arsenal at bay, and a disciplined defensive performance from the entire team. A late clash between Vitalii Mykolenko and Thomas Partey in the penalty area caused a moment of tension, but neither the referee nor VAR deemed it worthy of a penalty.
Everton’s point keeps them in 15th place, three points above the relegation zone. While they have only three league wins this season, they have shown steady improvement, losing just twice in their last 11 games.
