Everton vs Arsenal Report

Scorers: Ndiaye 49’ (P); Trossard 34’

Everton extended their winless Premier League run to six matches, but their hard-fought 1-1 draw against title-chasing Arsenal at Goodison Park may have handed their city rivals Liverpool a huge boost in the title race.

Despite being second-best for much of the contest, David Moyes’ side battled back, taking a valuable point in a game that ultimately did more to shape the top of the table than the bottom.

For Arsenal, this felt like a missed opportunity. With Liverpool having already overcome Everton in the Merseyside derby, Mikel Arteta’s men couldn’t afford to drop points if they were to stay in the hunt.

But a dominant first-half display, led by Leandro Trossard, wasn’t enough, as Everton dug deep and punished a lapse in concentration early in the second half.

First Half: Trossard Strikes but Arsenal Fail to Capitalise

The Gunners started the game with purpose and were nearly gifted a dream opening within two minutes, when a poor Jordan Pickford clearance fell straight to Arsenal feet, though Everton escaped without punishment.

Raheem Sterling, continuing his run of starts in the Gunners’ front line, had a golden opportunity from 12 yards, only to be denied by a brave block from Tim Iroegbunam.

Arsenal’s pressure told eventually, and it was Leandro Trossard who broke the deadlock. A swift counter-attack saw the Belgian cut inside and deliver a precise low finish across Pickford into the far corner.

It was no less than Arsenal deserved, and they could have gone into the break further ahead had Trossard not been denied a second by the goalkeeper, with Declan Rice’s rebound dramatically blocked by James Tarkowski.

Everton’s best moment came against the run of play when Beto capitalised on a loose back pass from Ben White. After rounding David Raya, his cut-back into the six-yard box was eventually cleared, sparing Arsenal further embarrassment.

Second Half: Ndiaye Levels from the Spot

Whatever was said in the home dressing room worked. Just five minutes after the restart, Jack Harrison was brought down in the box by youngster Miles Lewis-Skelly, who mistimed his judgment on a bouncing ball.

Following a lengthy VAR review, a penalty was awarded, and Iliman Ndiaye calmly converted, sending Pickford’s opposite number David Raya the wrong way to level the score.

Bukayo Saka was introduced at half-time in an attempt to swing the momentum back Arsenal’s way, and it almost paid off immediately.

A foul on Saka gave Declan Rice a free-kick opportunity from the edge of the area, but Pickford stood tall to palm it away.

Arsenal pushed for a winner late on, and Gabriel Martinelli came closest with a curling effort that forced Pickford into a stunning one-handed save. But it was the Toffees who would leave the happier side, defending resolutely in the closing stages to claim a precious point.

Key Stats

• Everton are now winless in six Premier League games (D3, L3)
• Arsenal have failed to beat Everton in back-to-back league away games
• Leandro Trossard has now scored in consecutive Premier League appearances
• Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty was his second league goal of the season
• Jordan Pickford made five crucial saves, including a standout stop from Martinelli

What It Means

• Liverpool move closer to the Premier League title, now in an even more commanding position with Arsenal dropping more points
• Everton’s point has little impact on their league standing, but halts their losing streak and shows signs of fight
• Arsenal’s title push now appears all but over, with a growing sense that the season is winding down with little left to fight for domestically

Looking Ahead

• Everton will now look to build on this battling display as they aim to close out the season with dignity and security.
• Arsenal, meanwhile, must now shift full focus to their European ambitions. With the title seemingly beyond reach, their UEFA Champions League campaign may offer their last hope of silverware.

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Everton v Arsenal, 2024/25 | Premier League