Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has expressed his frustration following his team’s 0-0 stalemate against Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta lamented Arsenal’s inability to convert their dominance into goals, despite an overwhelming performance in terms of possession and chances created.
Reflecting on the match, Arteta said:
“I’m very disappointed not to win the game because we fully deserved to win the game. We conceded no shots on target, we dominated direct play, we did all the right things up to the last 20 meters.”
The Gunners controlled large spells of the game, creating 1.42 expected goals (xG) compared to Everton’s 0.17. Arsenal’s inability to break through Everton’s compact defensive setup, coupled with an outstanding display from goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, left Arteta’s side frustrated.
Arteta emphasized Arsenal’s lack of cutting edge in the final third, despite generating several quality chances:
“We did all the right things, we generated big chances, they didn’t create any chance… so it’s disappointing.”
Martin Ødegaard came closest in the first half with a deflected effort, while Bukayo Saka’s low-driven strike early in the second half was parried away by Pickford. Despite these opportunities, Arsenal failed to capitalize, leaving the fans and Arteta frustrated.
While disappointed with the result, Arteta acknowledged the defensive stability his side displayed, with Everton failing to register a shot on target. Gabriel Magalhães, back in the starting lineup, was instrumental in keeping Everton’s limited attacking threat at bay.
“We conceded no shots on target,” Arteta noted, highlighting the defensive improvements that have become a hallmark of Arsenal’s campaign this season.
The draw sees Arsenal remain third in the Premier League table, now six points adrift of leaders Liverpool. While the Gunners have shown consistency this season, dropped points in games like this could prove costly in the title race.
Arteta will need to address the creative struggles that have emerged in tight games, particularly against defensively resolute opponents like Everton. The Gunners’ attacking stars, including Ødegaard, Saka, and Gabriel Martinelli, will need to find ways to break down compact defensive lines as the season progresses.
Arsenal now shifts their focus to a midweek Carabao Cup quarter-final tie against Crystal Palace at the Emirates Stadium. Arteta will be hoping for an improved attacking display and a return to winning ways as the Gunners look to advance in the competition.
Despite the disappointment, Arteta remains confident in his side’s ability to improve. The Gunners have shown resilience and quality throughout the season, and their manager will be keen to ensure this result is merely a blip on their path to silverware.