The ball moved, but it didn’t go in. Arsenal battled Everton in the Premier League and, once again, missed a crucial opportunity to close the gap on leaders Liverpool. A frustrating 0-0 draw, full of dominance, possession, and created chances, but without the final touch that turns stats into victories. The third-place Gunners remain in the title race with 30 points, but the feeling that they could have done more is unavoidable.
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Dominance without reward
One thing is certain: Arsenal dominated the game. Mikel Arteta forcefully stated during his post-match interview that the Gunners "gave nothing" to Everton. Not one shot conceded, high press on target, full dominance of the ball, and the defense hardly put into task. What is the use, though, if the ball does not find the net?
The Spanish coach, visibly frustrated, summed it up: "We were missing those last 20 meters to score goals."
If anyone came close to finding that "magic moment," it was Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. The Norwegian captain had the best chances in the first half but was denied by Jordan Pickford, who once again shone in Everton's goal.
Saka had the key chance in the second half - a poorly cleared header fell to the number 7 who struck first time with a volley. It looked like the goal Arsenal were waiting for but Pickford flew to the corner to make the save and keep the Toffees alive.
You felt as though the goal could arrive at any moment yet frustration defined the afternoon.
An attack that stalls in decisive moments.
Arsenal is a team admired for tactical consistency and effort, but they've lacked that clinical edge in attack. "It's the hardest thing to do," Arteta said about those final meters. The coach knows that domination alone isn't enough-it's about finishing.
In their last three Premier League games, Arsenal hasn't scored a single goal from open play. Arteta downplayed the concern, reminding everyone that the team scored three goals from open play just days earlier. "This won't continue. If we have chances like we had today, I'm sure we'll score."
But the truth remains: no goals, no wins. Without wins, the Premier League title slips further away.
Jordan Pickford and Everton's merit
That said, credit where it is due. Jordan Pickford was the evident man of the match performance. He made some superb saves against Odegaard and Saka to see Everton out with a point.
Beyond him, Everton's defence was solid and determined: "Credit to them too, how they block shots, Jordan Pickford for the saves he made, the way they defend and the desire they defend with," Arteta admitted.
Everton didn't create much offensively-that's the truth. Abdoulaye Doucoure had one clear chance in the opening minutes, but Gabriel Magalhães was quick to block the shot. From then on, Everton sat back, absorbed Arsenal's pressure and defended with everything they had.
Arteta and the search for a spark
When asked if "magic moments" can be trained, Arteta was unequivocal: "It's difficult." In soccer, brilliance often comes down to inspiration. You can have a well-organized, competitive team, but the decisive goal often depends on an individual spark.
That spark was missing against Everton. Arsenal created opportunities, but nobody could turn them into goals.
Arteta is confident in his team, though: "When I see my team running back, it's incredible. Every three days, 70 meters, the whole team is pushing forward." The manager does see the effort, commitment, and intensity. All that's missing is the goal.