Arsenal’s Premier League title aspirations suffered another setback as Mikel Arteta’s men were held to a goalless draw by a resolute Everton side at the Emirates Stadium. This stalemate marked the second consecutive weekend in which the Gunners failed to capitalize on opportunities to close the gap on their title rivals.
Despite dominating possession, Arsenal’s inability to convert chances into goals underscored recurring issues that could hinder their pursuit of the championship. Art de Roche breaks down the key takeaways from the match.
Another Missed Opportunity to Close the Gap
Arsenal entered the weekend knowing a victory would allow them to reduce the points deficit on league leaders Liverpool. However, their failure to secure all three points against Everton mirrored last week’s frustration when a controversial VAR decision denied them a win against Fulham.
While Liverpool dropped points in a 2-2 draw with Fulham, Arsenal could not seize the moment. They remain six points adrift of Arne Slot’s table-topping team, who still have a game in hand. This missed opportunity could prove costly, particularly as Manchester City and Chelsea are both poised to strengthen their positions in the table.
In February, Arsenal overturned a five-point deficit to Liverpool to eventually finish seven points ahead. But such resilience will require a change in form. Failing to win games like these could derail their title challenge, especially with Manchester City and Chelsea lurking dangerously close in the standings.
Arsenal’s Need for Speed
Arsenal’s recent struggles reveal a recurring issue: the lack of urgency in their attacking play. Mikel Arteta’s comments following a defeat to Fulham last season—about insufficient ball speed and movement—resonate once again.
The match against Everton showcased similar frustrations. The home crowd repeatedly urged midfielders like Declan Rice and Mikel Merino to quicken the tempo, but the team often defaulted to slow build-ups. Despite substitutions designed to inject pace and creativity, Arsenal’s attacks lacked penetration.
Key players, including Bukayo Saka, found their off-the-ball runs ignored in favor of safer passes. This indecision in critical moments has become a recurring theme and one that Arsenal must address swiftly if they are to rediscover their attacking fluency.
Lewis-Skelly Shines Amidst Frustration
One bright spot for Arsenal was the performance of 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly. Making his full Premier League debut, the young left-back impressed with his composure and creativity. Against an Everton side content to sit deep, Lewis-Skelly showcased his versatility, often drifting into midfield to aid Arsenal’s build-up play.
In the first half, his progressive passing created opportunities for Gabriel Martinelli and Martin Odegaard, although the latter failed to convert. Lewis-Skelly’s confidence on the ball, combined with his ability to drive forward under pressure, made him one of Arsenal’s standout players.
However, his inexperience occasionally showed, with a risky decision to let a loose ball run in the penalty area nearly proving costly. Despite these minor lapses, his performance justified Bukayo Saka’s praise after the midweek Champions League win against Monaco, where he described Lewis-Skelly’s level as “ready for the big stage.”
What’s Next for Arsenal?
The Gunner’s congested schedule offers little respite as they prepare for two crucial clashes against Crystal Palace. First, they host Palace in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Wednesday, December 18, before traveling to Selhurst Park for a Premier League encounter on Saturday, December 21.
With title rivals gaining momentum, these fixtures are must-win games for Arteta’s men. The Gunner will need to address their attacking inefficiencies and capitalize on their opportunities to ensure their title hopes remain alive heading into the new year.
