Arsenal’s faint title hopes suffered a potentially fatal blow when the team had to settle for a draw away to Everton.
The result means league leaders Liverpool now need just 11 points from their last 8 games – with Fulham on Sunday as their next opponent – to secure the championship.
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Trossard opened – but Everton responded
After a slow first half hour with a lot of breaks and few chances, Arsenal opened the scoring account in the 34th minute through Leandro Trossard. He put in a counter-attacking goal after a pass from Raheem Sterling.
Trossard could have doubled the lead just before half-time, but Jordan Pickford saved his jab, and Declan Rice’s follow-up was blocked.
Everton equalised just after half-time when Myles Lewis-Skelly felled Jack Harrison in the box. Iliman Ndiaye scored the penalty without nervousness.
The match came to life
After a weak first half, Everton found a better rhythm, and Abdoulaye Doucouré tested David Raya with a shot low in the corner. On the other side, Pickford had to save a powerful free kick from Rice.
Neither team was able to find the winning goal, and the points split gives Liverpool a great service in the title race.
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Arsenal lacked spark
The match ended as expected between two teams that have drawn a combined 25 in the Premier League this season.
With the meeting against Real Madrid in the Champions League on Tuesday in mind, Mikel Arteta chose to start with several stars on the bench, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Thomas Partey.
Even though the sun was shining, Arsenal couldn’t shine at Anfield. The match was marked by many free kicks and corners, but despite their reputation as set-piece kings, the London side did not take advantage of the chances.
The goal came after a blunder from Idrissa Gueye, whose poor header landed in the hands of Sterling, who played on to Trossard.
Saka couldn’t turn the game
around
The substitution of Saka in the second half had little effect. The England international hit the wall on a free kick, and now it seems that Arsenal’s title chances have also hit a wall.
Key moments:
- 34′ – Trossard scores 0-1
- 46′ – Ndiaye equalises on a penalty
- Great saves – Pickford and Raya kept both teams alive
What now?
Arsenal must focus on Real Madrid, while Liverpool can close the series with three wins and two draws in their last eight games.
“This was a disappointing performance. We need to get back to the fluid football that has made us so good this season,” Arteta said after the game.
