[](https://yankeegooner.net/arsenal-lost-points-on-saturday-with-a-0-0-draw-v-everton/)
Arsenal failed to take advantage of yet another chance to close the points gap with Liverpool. Following the Reds 2-2 draw with Fulham, Arsenal had the chance to move within four points of the league leaders with a win, however, Mikel Arteta’s squad could not find a goal against a very good Everton defensive plan.
After the match Mikel Arteta told Arsenal.com, “We did everything that was necessary apart from the fact that we didn’t score a goal. We conceded absolutely nothing, dominated all the direct play, didn’t allow them to run and conceded no set pieces.”
Yes, Arsenal controlled the ball 75.6% of the match and held Everton to zero shots on target. The Gunners also had eight corner kicks, but still produced zero on the scoreboard, which is the only statistic that really matters at the end of the game. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had five big saves during the match which helped earn his 6th Premier League clean sheet of the season. David Raya also has six clean sheets this league campaign.
So, the debate rages on whether or not Arsenal needs a big time striker in January. When the boys are goal-minded goals fall in by the bucket full, but on days like today, we get nothing to show for any of the offensive creativity that might have been produced. There wan’t a lot of that today, but there still was enough to get at least one ball to hit the back of the net. So, yes, we need a big time striker who can bag some of the goals we can’t seem to score on the days when needed most. A 0-0 draw is not acceptable against a team like Everton. It just isn’t, and draws do not keep you in the hunt for titles and trophies, only wins do!
Another thing that was bothersome in the match was substituting Martin Odegaard and Declan Rice. Obviously, Arteta saw something we didn’t see, but to bring off your most creative playmakers is not necessarily the first thing to do in order to breakdown a very tight defense. But he did, and his move failed to produce anything more positive.
Next up, back-to-back home and away encounters v Crystal Palace. A Carabao Cup quarterfinal on Wednesday, then a Premier League match next Saturday at Selhurst Park.
The Gunners have not lost in eight consecutive matches, however, three have been draws. We need better!
COYG!
Gunner1953