Arsenal were held to a goalless draw by Everton in their Premier League clash this afternoon, dropping points for the second consecutive game after a stalemate against Fulham in their last league outing.
The Gunners failed to capitalise on Fulham holding Liverpool to a draw at Anfield. They remain six points away from the Reds at thesummit of the table (potentially nine if Liverpool win their outstanding game against Everton).
Arsenal looked uninspired against the spirited Toffees.Even their set-piece routinesthat struck fear into the hearts of several opponentsdidn’t seem to phase SeanDyche’s side.
Former Arsenal attacker Theo Walcott was unhappy with the performance the Gunners gave, knowing what was on the line. Speaking onBBC Radio, Walcott said, “Any opportunity that Arsenaldon’t get a result is always going to be a missed opportunity because Liverpool are relentless.
“Youwouldn’t have thought Liverpool had ten men in that game. It was a dogged performance from Everton – you could have predicted that performance before the game, but of course,it’s a missed opportunity.”
Arsenal struggled to create clear-cut chances. Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard were dull and lacklustre down the left flank, failing to generate much of a threat on the wing.
The typically creative Martin Odegaard did not fashion any opportunities. He also missed one big chance before being hooked in the 62nd minute.
Bukayo Saka huffed and puffed, but Vitaliy Mykolenko never took his eyes off the Englishman while Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus were expectedly blunt up top.
Arsenal need inspiration, and perhaps they can find it in the January transfer window, but this team looks unready to sustain a title challenge this season. Their inconsistencies are worrying, and Mikel Arteta must find a way to light a fire in their belly.
Next up, they take on Crystal Palace in the League Cup quarter-final before facing them in south London for league duties.