Arsenal player ratings: Gabriel Martinelli a worry with Martin Odegaard enduring frustrating afternoon | OneFootball

Arsenal failed to close the gap to Liverpool after a poor performance

Arsenal endured a frustrating afternoon as they were held to a goalless draw by Everton.

The Gunners dominated possession but failed to create many chances as the Toffees put in a solid defensive display.

Martin Odegaard had the best chance of the match, but Jordan Pickford denied him with a good save.

The draw means Arsenal stay third and missed out on the chance to close the gap on Premier League leaders Liverpool.

Simon Collings was at Emirates Stadium to see Arsenal in action...

David Raya 6

Did not have anything to do all day as Arsenal dominated possession. An easy afternoon’s work for the Spaniard.

Jurrien Timber 6

Restored to right-back after being switched to the other flank for last week’s trip to Fulham. A solid display and looks best at right-back.

William Saliba 7

His form is going under the radar, but he has been so consistent this season. Flawless again today and gave Dominic Calvert-Lewin nothing to feed on.

Gabriel 6

Back in the team after missing the last three games due to injury. Solid at the back, but did not have his usual joy from set-pieces.

Myles Lewis-Skelly 7

Started for the second game in a row and did well. Looks so calm on the ball for someone who is only 18. A star in the making.

Martin Odegaard 5

Missed Arsenal’s best chance of the first-half when Saka picked him out in the middle of the box. A frustrating afternoon for the Norwegian.

Declan Rice 7 | Star player

Must be having his minutes managed as was taken off despite having a good game. Impressed at the base of midfield, with and without the ball.

Declan Rice impressed in his hour on the pitch

Getty Images

Mikel Merino 5

Handed a second start in a row but still feels like he is not fully integrated into this system. Almost set up Havertz with a disguised pass, but the German’s touch let him down.

Bukayo Saka 6

Arsenal’s best attacking player, as he has been all season. Created the best chance of the match and denied by a fine Pickford save early in the second-half.

Kai Havertz 5

A quiet performance from the Germany, who found chances few and far between. Finished the game in midfield when Jesus came on.

Gabriel Martinelli 5

Continues to struggle for form. Did not have much joy against an ageing Ashley Young, which is a worry.

Substitutions

Ethan Nwaneri (Odegaard 62’) 5

Boldly thrown on in place of Odegaard, but could not make the difference.

Jorginho (Rice 62’) 5

On at the base of midfield, but unable to lift the tempo as Arsenal stuttered.

Gabriel Jesus (Merino 69’) 5

Had one good chance from a free-kick, but could not connect with the header.

Thomas Partey (Lewis-Skelly 69’) 6

On at right-back as Arsenal pushed for a winner.

Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 74’) N/A

Subs not used: Neto, Kiwior, Zinchenko, Sterling