Arsenal missed the chance to move within four points of Premier League leaders Liverpool as they were held to a goalless draw by Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield meant the Gunners would have boosted their title hopes with a win, but they couldn’t find a way past an inspired Jordan Pickford.

The Everton goalkeeper made two crucial saves in the first half, first blocking a deflected shot from Martin Odegaard, who also shot wastefully over the goal in the early stages of the game, and then blocking a diagonal shot from Gabriel Martinelli.

Pickford picked up where he left off after half-time, turning away Bukayo Saka’s volley with a superb reflex save around the post as the stubborn visitors continued to frustrate Arsenal.

The hosts continued to apply the pressure but Everton, buoyed by the news that the lengthy takeover by the Friedkin Group was finally close to completion, put up fierce resistance and repelled a series of corners when Arteta’s surprise decision shortly after the game Captain Odegaard to withdraw for “tactical reasons” hour.

As was the case last weekend at Craven Cottage, where they drew 1-1 with Fulham, Arsenal struggled to convert their dominance into clear chances in the final stages.

Arsenal wanted a late penalty after a clash between Vitalii Mykolenko and Thomas Partey, but the VAR decided otherwise, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side four points down in two games and Everton celebrating a hard-fought draw.

The Gunners remain third, one point behind Chelsea and six behind Liverpool, with both teams still having a game in hand, while Everton move up to 15th with 15 points.

Arteta: I can’t ask for much more from my players

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta in his press conference:

“I’m very disappointed not to win the game because obviously there’s only one team that deserves to win and that’s Arsenal. We didn’t give anything away, didn’t concede any goals, dominated the direct play, didn’t let them run, no.” Set pieces, our high pressure was excellent.

“We created chances, but the goals were missing in the last 20 meters, that’s because of the whole dominance, because we’ve never managed to dominate like this before.”

“You have to try to generate the highest probability of winning and we definitely succeeded in doing that. Now that you draw the game, you want more. Even when we win, we always want more. But I can’t ask the boys to do much more than that other than putting the ball in the net.

On taking off Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard after 62 minutes: “With Declan I had to take him off because he felt something and with Martin it was a tactical decision to try and change the rhythm, especially on that side.”

Dyche is proud of the players: step in the right direction

Everton boss Sean Dyche:

“You have to know how to do it without the ball. At this stadium it’s hard to believe that you can do it. You have to do the other things well.”

“Ashley Young was in great shape. Great strength of character. Vitalii Mykolenko, one of his great strengths is one-on-one. The three midfielders were excellent.”

“They are a good team. We know that. The players have made a big change. The commitment to do what’s important – pressing and recovering and staying true for 90 minutes. I was proud of the players.”

“They tried to force something, which shows how strong we are defensively. This is another step in the right direction.”

Analysis: Arsenal are missing their killer No.9

Nick Wright from Sky Sports:

In their second Premier League game in a row, following last weekend’s 1-1 draw with Fulham, Arsenal were left to rue their failure to convert their dominance into goals. This was another game to highlight the need for attack reinforcement. They’re missing killer number 9.

Kai Havertz impressed in the role for the most part. His late goal in Wednesday’s win over Monaco took him to double figures this season. But that total only includes five players in the Premier League and he never looked like scoring here, managing just a single shot in the entire 90 minutes.

Arsenal need more from their centre-forward and it seems unlikely they will get that from their alternative option in Gabriel Jesus, who has not scored in the competition since January. Like Havertz, he posed little threat after being substituted on in the second half.

Arsenal’s progress over the last two years has been fueled by their ability to share goals. It is worth noting that last season they broke a club record with a total of 91 players.

But to take the next step, it’s becoming increasingly obvious that they need an offensive player who can make a difference in games like this. Their efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko in the summer suggest they are aware of this. As January approaches, they can ill afford to let another window pass without strengthening their attack line.

Pickford shines with his 300th PL appearance

Ben Grounds from Sky Sports:

Everton have now fired 44 shots since their last away goal, but heading into their visit to defending champions Arsenal you would never judge them on their attacking performance. They have failed to score in eight of their games – more than any other Premier League team.

Besides, who needs goals when England’s best are keeping them out?

Jordan Pickford, making his 300th Premier League appearance, frustrated Arsenal all afternoon and ensured the Toffees returned to Merseyside with an unlikely point.

In fact, Everton kept clean sheets in six of their 15 games this season – only Liverpool (seven) managed this more often.

From the moment Pickford confidently saved Declan Rice’s first of eight corners, Everton had crucial defensive structure and organization – which had been sorely lacking in their last away game at Manchester United – and which Arsenal struggled to break through.

Fittingly, the game ended with Everton’s number 1 holding the ball in his hands. His instinctive save at the start of the second half against Bukayo Saka was the best choice. Provided Everton keep Pickford fit, their last line of defense is a match for anyone in the top flight.

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