Arsenal faced off against Everton on December 14, 2023, at the Emirates Stadium, but the match ended without any goals, resulting in a frustrating 0-0 draw for the home team. The game was significant for Arsenal, who had recently experienced mixed results just weeks before.
Missing from the squad was defender Takehiro Tomiyasu, who was sidelined due to injury. This absence forced Arsenal's coach Mikel Arteta to make strategic changes to the lineup, bringing young Luis-Skelly to left back and adjusting the midfield and forward positions to counter the threat posed by Everton. Arsenal was sitting at third place, hoping to capitalize on the opportunity to gain much-needed points and reduce the gap with league leaders Liverpool.
The first half of the match saw Everton take the initiative, creating danger early on. Just six minutes in, Abdoulaye Doucouré found himself with a significant chance, but Arsenal's Gabriel Magalhães made a timely interception to block the shot, keeping the score level. Following this scare, Arsenal began to dominate possession, continually pressing the Everton defense.
Arsenal's first notable chance came shortly after, when Martin Ødegaard attempted to break the deadlock with his left foot from close range, but the ball sailed harmlessly over the net. Bukayo Saka, another key player for Arsenal, was active on the right flank, using his pace to generate opportunities. At the 29-minute mark, Saka set up Ødegaard again, but his shot was thwarted by Everton’s goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, whose sharp reflexes kept the match scoreless.
The Gunners maintained their pressure, and just before halftime, another golden opportunity arose for Gabriel Martinelli, who, after receiving a pass from Havertz, had his left-footed effort saved superbly by Pickford again, demonstrating why he is considered one of the league's top goalkeepers. Despite controlling the momentum and creating chances, Arsenal went to the break unable to find the back of the net.
After the halftime refresh, Arsenal's pressing continued as they looked to break the deadlock. Just seconds after the restart, Saka tested Pickford once more, firing from the right side of the box, only to see his effort saved again by the agile keeper. The sense of frustration began to mount for Arsenal as time progressed and the goals continued to elude them.
Arteta responded to the situation by making tactical changes as the second half unfolded. He substituted Ødegaard and Rice for Jorginho and young Ethan Nwaneri around the 60-minute mark. Shortly thereafter, attempts were made to inject more attacking vigor by bringing on Thomas Partey and Gabriel Jesus. Despite these changes, Everton's defense held steadfast.
During the match's final stages, Arsenal had one more claim for potential glory as Thomas found himself barreling toward the Everton goal. He seemed to be fouled inside the box after colliding with Mikhailenko, leading to claims for a penalty. VAR reviewed the incident but determined there was no foul, leaving the Arsenal fans feeling frustrated.
Despite these best efforts, the match ended without goals, marking Arsenal’s second consecutive draw following their previous match against Fulham, which also ended 1-1. This result put them at risk of dropping points needed to keep pace with Chelsea, who were just two points above them, and left the Gunners disappointed as they reflected on their missed chances and Everton’s disciplined defense.
For Everton, this hard-fought point could serve as momentum to build on as they look to climb the league standings after faltering performances this season. They currently sit at 15th place, but securing points against stronger opponents like Arsenal will be valuable as they move forward.
Arsenal's next fixtures include the Carabao Cup clash on December 18 against Crystal Palace, followed by another Premier League encounter. Meanwhile, Everton will also be gearing up to face Chelsea on December 22, hoping to secure more points.