Arteta Frustrated As Arsenal Stumble In Premier League Title Race

Arsenal recorded a disappointing 1-1 draw against Everton at the Goodison Park on Saturday to further dent their Premier League title hopes.

The Gunners needed a win to at least delay Liverpool’s coronation but they faltered.

Mikel Arteta opted to play the duo of Martin Odegaard, Bukayo Saka from the bench with the Real Madrid game in sight.

Raheem Sterling was handed a rare start on the left, Leandro Trossard led the line, and Ethan Nwaneri kept his place in the right.

Jorginho took the place of Thomas Partey in the holding midfield as Mikel Merino replaced Martin Odegaard.

The alteration to the team did not stop Arsenal from taking the lead when Raheem Sterling burst away from Everton players in midfield to set up Leandro Trossard, who produced a low drive to give the visitors a 1-0 lead in the 34th minute.

Trossard was close to adding the second goal in the stroke of halftime before Pickford denied him with a low save.

Arteta brought on Gabriel Martinelli for Raheem Sterling, Bukayo Saka for Ethan Nwaneri in a bid to add urgency to their attack.

Four minutes after the restart, Ndiaye restored parity for Everton from the penalty spot after Lewis-Skelly fouled Harrison.

Raya produced a stunning save to deny Doucoure in the 51st minute as Everton began to trouble the visitors.

Pickford denied Declan Rice with a fine save to parry his free kick out of safety.

Arsenal kept the pressure but they failed to find the winner as Everton held on to earn their sixth draw in their last seven Premier League matches.

Arsenal’s Mikel Arteta was frustrated with the referee’s decision to award Everton a penalty for their equaliser.

He said: “The referee decides to give a penalty that changes the course of the game. I’m here to give my opinion and, after seeing it 15 times, there is no way in my opinion that is a penalty because if it is then [Jake] O’Brien has to be out, and Everton have to play with 10 men. That’s clear.”

“I am 100% frustrated. We were very much in control of the match. We were hoping in the second half to continue the dominance but out of nothing the referee decides to give a penalty.

As a result of the draw, Liverpool now need 11 points to be crowned Premier League champions, a win against Fulham on Sunday will move them 14 points clear of Arsenal with seven games to go.

The one point was enough to move Everton up to 14th on the Premier League log.

The Gunners will be back in Premier League action against Brentford next Saturday, while Everton takes on Nottingham Forest.