Arsenal’s title hopes took a blow after a frustrating goalless draw with Everton at the Emirates, a result that leaves them still trailing Premier League leaders Liverpool. While the Gunners dominated possession, they struggled to create enough clear-cut chances, and despite some promising individual performances, they were unable to break down Everton’s well-organized defense.
David Raya – 6
Raya had little to do throughout the match as Everton rarely tested him. The Spaniard’s job was mainly to maintain possession and distribute the ball, which he did with relative ease, but it was a quiet afternoon overall for the goalkeeper.
Jurrien Timber – 6
Timber returned to right-back after being shifted to left-back in the previous match. He was defensively solid but didn’t have the attacking influence expected from a player of his quality. He was reliable when called upon but didn’t provide much going forward.
William Saliba – 7
Saliba continued his excellent form, keeping Everton’s attack at bay with ease. He was rarely troubled by Dominic Calvert-Lewin and was solid in his defensive positioning throughout the game. The Frenchman has been one of the most consistent performers for Arsenal this season.
Gabriel – 6
Gabriel’s performance was steady, but he didn’t have the same impact on the game as he has in previous matches. Though he was solid at the back, he couldn’t make his usual contribution from set-pieces, and Arsenal’s defense didn’t need to do much to keep Everton at bay.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – 7
The young midfielder impressed once again, showing calmness on the ball and good positional awareness. His composure for someone so young is remarkable, and he continues to grow with each appearance.
Martin Ødegaard – 5
A frustrating game for Ødegaard, who missed Arsenal’s best chance of the match. His header was well-saved by Pickford in the second half, and the Norwegian was unable to dictate play as he usually does. He was substituted in the 62nd minute for Ethan Nwaneri, which summed up his lack of influence on the match.
Declan Rice – 7 | Star Player
Rice continued to be Arsenal’s most dynamic midfielder, controlling the tempo of the game and breaking up Everton’s attacks. He was substituted in the 62nd minute after an hour of excellent play, showing his importance to the team. His defensive contributions and composure on the ball were vital in keeping Arsenal’s midfield solid.
Mikel Merino – 5
Merino struggled to make an impact on the game. He wasn’t able to provide the creativity needed to break down Everton’s defense and didn’t influence proceedings in the way Arsenal would have hoped.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Saka was Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking player, as he has been for much of the season. He created the best chance of the game, which was denied by a fine save from Pickford, but didn’t see enough of the ball in dangerous positions to make a decisive impact.
Kai Havertz – 5
Havertz had a quiet game, with few opportunities to showcase his talent. His link-up play was limited, and he was moved to midfield after Gabriel Jesus replaced him in the final stages of the match. It was another underwhelming performance for the German.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Martinelli continues to struggle with his form. He was unable to get the better of Ashley Young, who at 38, is well past his prime, which raises concerns about Martinelli’s current performance levels. He didn’t provide the attacking spark Arsenal needed.
Substitutes:
Ethan Nwaneri (Ødegaard 62’) – 5
Nwaneri came on for Ødegaard but was unable to make the difference. His youthful energy couldn’t change the course of the game, and he struggled to assert himself in the midfield.
Jorginho (Rice 62’) – 5
Jorginho was brought on to steady the midfield, but he wasn’t able to lift the tempo of the game as Arsenal struggled to create chances.
Gabriel Jesus (Merino 69’) – 5
Jesus had a chance from a free-kick but failed to connect properly with his header. He didn’t have the same impact that many hoped for after coming on.
Thomas Partey (Lewis-Skelly 69’) – 6
Partey replaced Lewis-Skelly and played at right-back as Arsenal pushed for a winner. While he was solid defensively, he didn’t contribute significantly to the attack.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 74’) – N/A
Trossard came on too late to make a meaningful impact.
Subs not used: Neto, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Sterling
Arsenal’s inability to break down Everton’s defense is a worrying sign ahead of tougher challenges. While Declan Rice was outstanding again, the likes of Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Ødegaard will need to find their form to help Arsenal sustain a serious title challenge. For expert analysis and in-depth reports on Arsenal’s season, be sure to follow the London Examiner.