“Only one team deserved to win,” Arteta reflects on Everton draw | OneFootball

Mikel Arteta described Arsenal’s goalless draw against Everton as a frustrating afternoon, emphasising that his team were the only ones deserving of victory.

Despite dominating possession and creating multiple chances, the Gunners were unable to convert their opportunities, leaving them to rue a missed chance to capitalise on Liverpool’s earlier draw against Fulham.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arteta praised his team’s defensive resilience and overall effort, noting that their work rate was “unbelievable,” but admitted that a lack of composure in critical moments cost them the result.

“We did everything that was necessary overall apart from the fact that we didn’t score a goal,” Arteta said. “We conceded absolutely nothing, dominated all the direct play, didn’t allow them to run, and conceded no set pieces.”

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

The Arsenal boss highlighted the team’s pressing and defensive tracking as standout aspects of their performance. “When we have to track back 70 metres, we are the best in the world by far,” he said. “The way they want it, unbelievable.

“The way they try. Every single player is playing with a purpose to make things happen.” However, he acknowledged the bitter disappointment of leaving without a reward for their efforts: “You want to come away winning after what you’ve done on the pitch.”

The match saw Arsenal dominate possession but fail to break down Everton’s resolute defence. Martin Ødegaard and Bukayo Saka were at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking play, but Jordan Pickford produced several excellent saves to deny the Gunners.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Gabriel Magalhães, returning from injury, impressed defensively, particularly with an early block to thwart Abdoulaye Doucouré. Despite their superiority, Arsenal’s attack lacked their usual sharpness and intensity, especially in the final third.

Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images

Arteta made bold substitutions in the second half, including bringing on 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri for Ødegaard, but the changes did little to alter the course of the match. Everton’s disciplined defensive shape frustrated Arsenal, who struggled to find space near the penalty area.

The result leaves Arsenal in third place on 30 points, six behind Premier League leaders Liverpool and one behind Chelsea, who have a game in hand.

Photo by Richard Heathcote/Getty Images

While Everton, sitting 15th, will be buoyed by their defensive resilience, Arsenal must grapple with another missed opportunity in their pursuit of the title.

For Arteta, the focus remains on building from the positive elements of the performance. “The frustrating part is that they are there. We are trying everything and not getting the points. We have to continue.”