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Arsenal were held to a disappointing 0-0 draw by Everton at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday, December 14. The result sees the Gunners remain in third place, one point behind Chelsea having played a game more. The Toffees retain their standing as well, remaining 15th in the table.
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Arsenal made a dominant start to the game as they looked to control the tempo of the proceedings and also to push Everton deep into their own half. However, that gave Sean Dyche's side the impetus to play their favoured style of football as they were made to play without the ball. This allowed the visitors to maintain a compact and mobile shape that was hard for the Gunners to break down.
Despite having nearly 75% possession in the first half, Arsenal looked clueless in the final third as they could not make inroads. They did attempt seven shots on goal but just two of them were on target, with Jordan Pickford making decent saves to deny a goal. Gabriel looked solid for the Gunners on his return, as did Bukayo Saka on the flank, but they seemed to lack fluidity in midfield.
Everton managed just one shot in the first half and it was off-target as the two teams were deadlocked at 0-0 at the interval.
The second half saw Arsenal up the ante even more as they kept the ball for even longer than they did in the first period. With 80% possession of the ball, they managed to create some decent chances by finding Everton players out of position. However, they managed just three shots on target from six attempts and could not find a way past a sharp Pickford.
The game's best chance fell to the hosts' captain Martin Odegaard as the ball fell kindly to his feet inside the box. However, his shot was saved by the Everton custodian in a solid performance by Dyche's men. The Toffees continued playing in their preferred style and failed to hit the target in the second half as well, but defended deep and compact, helping them earn a monumental draw.
This results makes it two consecutive Premier League draws for Arsenal, while their visitors have now kept four clean sheets in their last six outings. On that note, let's take a look at the hosts' player ratings
Arsenal Player Ratings
David Raya - 6.5/10
Raya was not required to make a single save for Arsenal as he did not face a single shot on target against Everton. He passed the ball with 96% accuracy.
Jurrien Timber - 7/10
Timber played well in defence as he won six duels and made three tackles. He also passed the ball with 90% accuracy and completed two dribbles.
William Saliba - 7.5/10
Saliba was solid at the back for the Gunners and won four duels, making two clearances, one block and two tackles. He also passed the ball with 95% accuracy.
Gabriel Magalhaes - 8/10
Gabriel had a great game for Arsenal on his return from injury. He won nine duels in defence, making one clearance, one block and three tackles. He also played one key pass.
Myles Lewis-Skelly - 7/10
After starting the last match, Lewis-Skelly put in another mature performance in the Premier League. He won four of six duels, making two tackles as well.
Martin Odegaard - 6.5/10
Odegaard had a subpar performance by his lofty standards as he failed to play a single key pass or accurate cross. He also missed one big chance to score.
Declan Rice - 7/10
Rice passed the ball with 92% accuracy in midfield, including one key pass. He also won his only duel, made one clearance and attempted on shot off-target.
Mikel Merino - 7/10
Merino passed the ball with 82% accuracy, including two key passes and one accurate cross. He also won three duels, making one clearance and one interception.
Bukayo Saka - 8.5/10
Saka seemed to be the only one trying for Arsenal at times. He played three key passes and three accurate crosses. Saka also attempted three shots with one of those on target. He also completed four dribbles and won nine duels.
Kai Havertz - 7/10
Havertz had a decent game up front as he attempted one shot on target and also played two key passes.
Gabriel Martinelli - 6.5/10
Martinelli was passive once again on the left flank in a subpar performance.
Substitutes
Jorginho - 6.5/10
He replaced Rice in the second half but could not impact the proceedings.
Ethan Nwaneri - 6/10
Nwaneri came on for Odegaard and put in a rare subpar cameo.
Thomas Partey - 7/10
He replaced Lewis-Skelly in the second period and put in a good performance as he looked sharp.
Gabriel Jesus - 6.5/10
Jesus came on for Merino but struggled to make an impact.
Leandro Trossard - 6.5/10
He replaced Martinelli on the left flank but could not make an impact either.
