By SAM LAWLEY
Published: 11:53 EST, 14 December 2024 | Updated: 11:54 EST, 14 December 2024
Arsenal failed to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points as they were left frustrated by a stubborn Everton side that defended a relentless wave of attacks and condemned the home team to another draw in the Premier League.
Before the vital encounter, both sets of fans paid an emotional tribute to Kevin Campbell after his tragic death six months ago aged 54, lifting huge banners with pictures of him and his shirt.
The popular forward came up through the ranks at Arsenal and found the net 55 times for the north London side in 216 appearances, before spending six years at Everton after arriving in 1999, becoming a fan favourite.
After the heartwarming spectacle, the Gunners were blunted in a tight first half which saw them dominate possession but struggle to create moments of note, only really testing Jordan Pickford through a Bukayo Saka effort which was well saved.
Arsenal failed to capitalise on Liverpool dropping points as they were left frustrated by a stubborn Everton side
The Toffees blunted wave after wave of attacks from Mikel Arteta's title contenders
Mikel Arteta's men slipped to a second consecutive Premier League draw on Saturday
The English winger was at the heart of everything dangerous about the home side and he called Pickford into action early in the second period once again with a low shot.
An exasperated Mikel Arteta then made the bold move of taking off star men Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard, replacing the midfield pair with Ethan Nwaneri and Jorginho.
As the Gunners mounted wave after wave of attacks, it quickly became a matter of whether the Toffees could hold on, with the away side defending for their lives in the final quarter of an hour.
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