Arsenal missed out on an opportunity to close in on Liverpool at the top of the Premier League table as a resolute Everton held on for a valiant point at the Emirates Stadium.
With the league leaders held by Fulham at Anfield, Mikel Arteta’s side could have revived their title bid but were unable to beat the impressive Jordan Pickford in a 0-0 stalemate. Old flaws in open play reappeared for the hosts as they struggled to break down a visiting side that were refreshed and rested in a 10-day break between fixtures.
Pickford made a string of fine saves while James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite performed well in the heart of defence to secure a battling draw that keeps Everton’s momentum rolling. Sean Dyche’s side sit three points clear of the relegation zone with a game in hand on those around them after the Merseyside derby’s postponement last weekend.
Re-live all of the action from the Emirates Stadium in our live blog below:
Arsenal vs Everton LIVE: Premier League updates
- Arsenal held by Everton in the Premier League
- Hosts miss out on chance to close gap to Liverpool at the top of the table
Arsenal FC 0 - 0 Everton FC
Arsenal vs Everton
17:02Arsenal and Everton share the points at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League with a 0-0 draw. In the first half, the Gunners dominated proceedings, and they came close through Odegaard whose deflected strike was saved well by Pickford. Doucoure enjoyed Everton's best chance of the game after just a few minutes, but his effort was blocked by Gabriel. After the break, Arteta's side continued to enjoy plenty of possession, but Everton's resolute defence made it difficult for them to find a way through. Saka had an opportunity just minutes into the second half, but his low-driven strike was saved well by Pickford. The Gunners couldn't find a winner, despite creating 1.42 expected goals, while the Toffees showed minimal attacking threat, producing 0.17 xG, with the game ending in a stalemate. Up next for Arsenal is an EFL Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, while Everton will host Chelsea next Sunday. That's all for today, goodbye!
Arsenal vs Everton
16:53FULL-TIME: ARSENAL 0-0 EVERTON
Arsenal vs Everton
16:50Everton have a late corner as Broja does well to force Gabriel into putting it behind. Lindstrom will take for the Toffees and he delivers to the back post. Tarkowski wins it, but Raya is there to collect.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:49There is a VAR check for a penalty as Mykolenko and Partey come together in the box. After a short delay, plan continues as the officials decide there will be NO PENALTY.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:48The fourth official has indicated that there will be a minimum of four minutes of added time at the end of the game.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:48Timber bursts forward from defence and arrives in the penalty area. He finds Jesus on the left and he delivers into the box, but Tarkowski heads clear. Arsenal come forward again and Partey goes down in the box, but the referee says no.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:45Young delivers a cross into the penalty area and it's headed away. Mykolenko gets to it first and produces an ambitious effort from range, which deflects and Raya manages to keep it in play.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:43A cross comes into the box and Saka wins the header, and it drops inside the penalty area. Branthwaite manages to get to it first and is able to clear. Trossard now delivers into the box, and Branthwaite once again wins it, heading behind for a corner.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:42Everton look to break away as Ndiaye races down the left-hand side. He skins Nwaneri and gets to the byline, but his cross is a tame effort and Arsenal are able to intercept.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:39Broja receives a yellow card for delaying the restarting, throwing the ball away as Arsenal prepared to take a free-kick.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:38The supporters at the Emirates Stadium are growing increasingly frustrated as we edge closer to full-time. The Gunners are dominating the possession, but Arteta's side are struggling to create any clear-cut chances.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:34Yellow Card Jordan Lee Pickford
Arsenal vs Everton
16:34A delivery comes into the Everton box and Gabriel produces an unorthodox header. It falls to Havertz, but he can't quite shape to shoot and Gueye is able to clear for the Toffees.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:32Arteta makes an alteration on the left-hand side of attack, with Trossard coming on to replace Martinelli.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:30Young receives the first yellow card of the game, hacking down Martinelli inside the Everton half.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:29Saka gets down the right once again and he floats a delivery to the back post, but he fails to find a team-mate. The assistant referee had his flag up anyway, with the ball tricking over the line for a goal-kick.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:26It's an attacking change from Arteta as midfielder Merino is replaced by Jesus.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:26Substitution Myles Anthony Lewis-Skelly Thomas Teye Partey
Arsenal vs Everton
16:26Saka stays patient on the right, looking to find space with Mykolenko marking him tightly. He delivers to the back post towards Havertz, but he overhits his cross and it's behind for a goal-kick.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:23Substitution Jack David Harrison Jesper Grænge Lindstrøm
Arsenal vs Everton
16:23Substitution Dominic Nathaniel Calvert-Lewin Armando Broja
Arsenal vs Everton
16:22Martinelli creates space for himself on the left-hand side, and he produces an inswinging cross to the back post. Havertz rises highest and wins the header, but it's a tame effort that Pickford can gather.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:19Arteta makes the first change of the game, with Jorginho coming on in a straight swap in midfield for Rice.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:19Saka breaks down the right-hand side and gets to the byline in space. He fires a low effort across goal, but Pickford does well to stick out a leg and clears it away from danger.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:18Since the break, Arsenal have continued their dominance with Everton yet to produce a shot, having one touch inside the opposition box. The Gunners are showing a real threat in the final third.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:14Saka does well to get away from Mykolenko, faking onto his left before driving towards the byline on his right, but he gets it all wrong as the ball hits his foot and goes behind for a goal-kick.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:13Tarkowski produces a strong challenge on Havertz before Merino flies in on Gueye. Two powerful tackles, but the referee awards a free-kick to Arsenal on the halfway line.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:11Saka does brilliantly to turn away from multiple Everton defenders before darting inside Doucoure, but Branthwaite comes across to snuff out the danger. The Arsenal winger has been a constant threat for the Gunners on the right.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:09Everton are looking sloppy at the back again! Branthwaite's pass to Pickford is under hit, and he rushes out, just beating Havertz to the ball. He finds Tarkowski, but he fails to control it and it's out for a throw-in.
Arsenal vs Everton
16:05Saved! Merino and Tarkowski battle for a header in the box, and it falls to the feet of Saka. He strikes towards the bottom corner, but Pickford makes an excellent save to palm it behind for a corner!
Arsenal vs Everton
16:03Arsenal get the second half under way at the Emirates Stadium!
Arsenal vs Everton
15:56Arsenal have created 0.83 expected goals (xG) from seven shots so far, touching the ball in the opposition box 17 times. Everton have produced 0.16 from Doucoure's opportunity, with that being their only shot of the game. According to Opta's live win probability calculator, Arsenal have a 66% chance of winning from here, with a draw at 24.5% and an Everton victory at 9.5%. Arteta will be hoping to see Arsenal improve their final action in the second half, and it wouldn't be a surprise to see the likes of Trossard, Jesus, or Nwaneri introduced after the break. Dyche's side need to show more of a threat when they reach the Arsenal half, and the Everton boss has the likes of Broja, Lindstrom, and Beto to call upon.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:52Arsenal and Everton go into the break with the scoreline level at 0-0 in the Premier League at the Emirates Stadium. There hasn't been much to shout about in terms of clear-cut chances, but it's safe to say the Gunners have been the more dominant. The Toffees produced an early opportunity as Mangala's excellent pass found Doucoure in behind the defence, but the Everton midfielder took too long to strike it and Gabriel recovered to make the block. Odegaard had Arsenal's best chance of the game to open the scoring, firing towards goal from close range, but a combination of a block from Tarkowski and a save from Pickford prevented the first goal. Dyche will be happy with how his side have defended for the most part, but Arteta will be asking more from his side in an attacking sense.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:47HALF-TIME: ARSENAL 0-0 EVERTON
Arsenal vs Everton
15:47The fourth official has indicated that there will be a minimum of one minute of added time at the end of the first half.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:45Saved! Branthwaite gives the ball away and Arsenal can break. Martinelli is found and bursts into the Everton penalty area before firing low and hard at goal, but Pickford does well to make the save.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:43Odegaard cuts inside from the right and sends a looping cross to the back post, and Arsenal have multiple bodies there, but Pickford comes off his line to collect.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:42Everton get away with one! Pickford finds Tarkowski with a bobbly pass, and his touch almost allows Martinelli to steal the ball from him, but he, fortunately, strikes it against his head and it's behind for a goal-kick.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:38Everton have attempted just 24 passes in the opposition half compared to Arsenal's 168. The Toffees are trying to hit the Gunners on the counter-attack, but it's certainly not working so far.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:36Gueye and Timber clash off the ball, so there's a short break in play. Neither player requires treatment, but the referee has awarded a free-kick to Everton, just inside their own half. It's a chance for both managers to get some messages across.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:33Everton break away through Doucoure who finds Ndiaye on the left-hand side. He slots a throughball to Doucoure inside the Arsenal penalty area, but Saliba uses his strength to win it back.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:31Huge chance! Mykolenko slips and Saka is able to dart past Branthwaite. He finds Odegaard in the area and he fires towards goal, but it deflects off Tarkowski before Pickford makes an excellent save to deny him!
Arsenal vs Everton
15:29Saka skips past Mykolenko before picking out Odegaard inside the box. He takes a touch and looks to find a team-mate with a low cross, but Branthwaite comes across to snuff out the danger.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:28Everton enjoy a short spell of possession, which has been a rarity in this one, but Mykolenko overhits his pass to Calvert-Lewin and Arsenal win it back. The Toffees are struggling to get out.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:25Saka will take the corner for Arsenal and they are surrounding Pickford in the Everton net. It's delivered into the box, but once again the Toffees win the first contact and clear.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:24Mykolenko gives away a foul, just outside the Everton penalty area. Odegaard will take for Arsenal and he delivers into the middle, but Tarkowski is there to head it behind for a corner.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:20Saka will take a corner for the Gunners, and it's an inswinging cross towards the middle, but Branthwaite rises above everyone to head the ball away from danger.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:19Rice plays a superb throughball in behind the Everton defence, and Saka latches onto it. He takes a touch inside, working it onto his left foot before firing at goal, but Tarkowski flings himself in front of it and blocks.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:16It's been a dominant display for Arsenal so far, despite Everton enjoying an early opportunity. The Gunners have enjoyed 76.8% of the possession, producing three shots.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:14Arsenal go close! Odegaard darts past Gueye, creating space for himself on the edge of the penalty area. He strikes it low and hard at goal, but he drags it just wide of the post. Pickford was rooted to the spot.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:14Over! Lewis-Skelly picks out Timber on the left before he fires a pass into the feet of Odegaard, who is unmarked inside the box. He strikes it first time, but it's comfortably over the bar.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:10Martinelli carries the ball down the left-hand side and stands up Tarkowski before striking, but it's deflected for a corner. Rice will take for the Gunners and delivers into the middle, but Pickford fights through the bodies and punches clear.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:08Chance! Mangala breaks through the middle of the park and picks out Doucoure with a superb pass, and he's unmarked. He takes his time and eventually shoots, but Gabriel recovers with an excellent block to deny him and it deflects behind for a corner.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:06Odegaard receives the ball on the edge of the penalty area and lifts a clever pass in behind the Everton defence. Saka and Timber both go for it, but they leave it for each other and it's behind for a goal-kick.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:04Gabriel attempts to switch it out wide to Saka, but Ndiaye is there to head it back to Mykolenko. Everton are set very deep, allowing Arsenal to dominate the possession.
Arsenal vs Everton
15:01Gueye gets the game under way for Everton at the Emirates Stadium!
Arsenal vs Everton
14:58The players are making their way out onto the pitch ahead of kick-off.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:48Dyche has made just one alteration from Everton’s 4-0 win over Wolves last time out. Dwight McNeil misses out due to injury. Harrison comes into the starting XI in his place.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:48Arteta has made three changes from Arsenal’s 3-0 victory over Monaco during the week. Gabriel returns to the starting XI after injury, meaning Kiwior drops to the bench. Timber and Havertz also come into the side, with Partey and Jesus taking their place among the substitutes.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:43EVERTON SUBS: Nathan Patterson, Michael Keane, Joao Virginia, Beto, Jake O’Brien, Armando Broja, Seamus Coleman, Jesper Lindstrom, Harrison Armstrong.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:43EVERTON (4-2-3-1): Jordan Pickford; Vitalii Mykolenko, Jarrad Branthwaite, James Tarkowski, Ashley Young; Orel Mangala, Idrissa Gueye; Iliman Ndiaye, Abdoulaye Doucoure, Jack Harrison; Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:43ARSENAL SUBS: Kieran Tierney, Thomas Partey, Gabriel Jesus, Jakub Kiwior, Leandro Trossard, Jorginho, Raheem Sterling, Neto, Ethan Nwaneri.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:43ARSENAL (4-3-3): David Raya; Myles Lewis-Skelly, Gabriel Magalhaes, William Saliba, Jurrien Timber; Mikel Merino, Declan Rice, Martin Odegaard; Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Bukayo Saka.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:38Everton have failed to score in each of their last three away Premier League matches, attempting 42 shots with an xG of 3.26 without success, and are the only side without an away goal since the start of November. They last went four in a row without a goal across October/November 2022. Eight of Everton’s 14 Premier League goals this season have been scored via set pieces (57%), the highest percentage by a team in a season since West Brom in 2014-15 (61%). A win today would take Everton eight points clear of the relegation zone.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:38Arsenal will jump into second place in the table with a victory over Everton. Mikel Arteta’s side have won 81% of their home Premier League matches in 2024 (P16 W13 D2 L1), their best home win percentage in a year since winning 84% of their games in 2007 (16/19). After a run of four defeats in five Premier League games against Everton between 2020 and 2023 (W1), Arsenal have now won each of their last three against the Toffees. Arsenal’s 102 wins against Everton is the most any side has beaten another in English top-flight history, while their 344 top-flight goals against the Toffees is also the most.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:33Hello and welcome to our live coverage of the Premier League fixture between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal vs Everton
14:30Lineups are announced and players are warming up.
Team news - Everton
13:51 , Harry Latham-CoyleNo Dwight McNeil for Everton this afternoon, with Jack Harrison’s start as his replacement the only change to the side that dispatched Wolves 4-0.
Everton XI: Pickford; Young, Tarkowski, Branthwaite, Mykolenko; Harrison, Mangala, Gueye, Ndiaye; Doucoure; Calvert-Lewin.
Today's starting XI to take on @Arsenal! 🔵#ARSEVE pic.twitter.com/z4qQqdZh0P
— Everton (@Everton) December 14, 2024
Team news - Arsenal
13:49 , Harry Latham-CoyleGabriel Magalhaes bolsters the Arsenal backline, which also includes young Myles Lewis-Skelly after an impressive outing in the Champions League.
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Gabriel, Lewis-Skelly; Rice, Merino, Odegaard; Saka, Havertz, Martinelli.
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 14, 2024
🧱 Gabriel partners Saliba
💪 Lewis-Skelly keeps his place
🇩🇪 Havertz leads the line
Let’s give it everything, Gunners 😤
Arsenal vs Everton
13:00Follow all the goals and latest action from the Premier League here with The Independent. Team news and line-ups coming up shortly…
