Arsenal’s already slim chances of securing their first Premier League title in 21 years have been dealt another blow following a 1-1 draw away at Everton on Saturday.
Leandro Trossard had put the Gunners ahead, but Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty for Everton ensured the points were shared. The result leaves Arsenal trailing leaders Liverpool by 11 points, with the Merseyside club also holding a game in hand.
Liverpool now require just 11 points from their remaining eight matches to clinch what would be a record-equalling 20th English top-flight championship.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta had stated that a victory on Merseyside would be the ideal preparation for his side’s crucial Champions League quarter-final first leg against Spanish giants Real Madrid.
However, the Spaniard’s team selection suggested he had one eye firmly on the upcoming European clash. Key players Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber, and Thomas Partey all started on the bench.
Despite also being without Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz, and Gabriel Jesus due to longer-term injuries, Arsenal largely controlled the first half.
The opening goal came against the run of play, stemming from a rare Everton attack. Raheem Sterling drove through midfield before finding Trossard, who finished accurately past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford for his first league goal since January.
Arsenal’s title challenge this season has been hampered by a lack of consistent goalscoring, even when key forwards Havertz and Jesus were fit earlier in the campaign.
Seeking more attacking impetus, Arteta introduced Saka and Martinelli at half-time. However, Everton were back on level terms within moments of the restart. Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalised for a foul on Jack Harrison inside the penalty area.
Referee Darren England’s decision to award a penalty was subjected to a lengthy Video Assistant Referee (VAR) check before being upheld. Ndiaye remained composed and slotted the spot-kick past Arsenal’s David Raya, who dived the wrong way.
Raya was then called into action to make a fine save from Abdoulaye Doucoure as Everton threatened to take the lead.
Ultimately, Everton manager David Moyes’ side appeared content with a point, sitting back in the latter stages and relying on some wasteful finishing from Arsenal to secure the draw.
Arteta also brought on Odegaard in search of a winner, but the Norwegian midfielder missed a good opportunity, turning Kieran Tierney’s pass wide of the target. Another inviting delivery from Tierney found substitute Mikel Merino, but the stand-in centre-forward’s recent scoring run ended as he headed wide.
Everton’s draw means they have now lost just once in their last 11 Premier League matches, with that defeat coming in a tense 1-0 Merseyside derby against Liverpool on Wednesday. The point moves Everton up to 14th in the table, now 15 points clear of the relegation zone.
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