Arsenal's title hopes take another hit
Everton 1 - 1 Arsenal
Arsenal's already slim hopes of lifting the Premier League trophy took a significant hit as they were held to a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park.
The draw leaves leaders Liverpool needing just 11 points from their final eight fixtures – beginning with Fulham on Sunday – to clinch the championship.
The opening half-hour was scrappy and disjointed, offering little in the way of rhythm or quality. But it was Arsenal who struck first on 34 minutes, with Leandro Trossard finishing smartly on the counter following a precise ball from Raheem Sterling – the game's first shot on target.
Trossard nearly doubled his tally just before the break, but his close-range effort was clawed away by Jordan Pickford, with Declan Rice’s follow-up blocked in the crowded box.
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Everton responded almost immediately after the restart. A clumsy challenge from Myles Lewis-Skelly on Jack Harrison earned the hosts a penalty, which Iliman Ndiaye calmly dispatched.
Revitalised by the equaliser, the Toffees grew into the contest. Abdoulaye Doucouré drew a sharp stop from David Raya, while at the other end, Rice tested Pickford with a blistering free-kick.
In the end, neither side could find a winner. But it was Everton who left the more satisfied, denying Arsenal crucial points and inadvertently handing a timely boost to Merseyside neighbours Liverpool.
Fan reaction
Arsenal fans were understandably disappointed with more dropped points. Here's what a few of them had to say.
DJ said: "That’s been a recurring theme throughout the season, and this match offered yet more proof that managing these types of games needs to be central to the next stage of Arteta’s Arsenal project.
Paul posted on his Facebook: "Everton stuck to what they know best, making life tough for their opponents with a gritty, physical style. It was the kind of performance we’ve seen from David Moyes’ sides time and again, and sadly, we just didn’t have the answers."
