Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was left frustrated after his side failed to break down a determined Everton team in a 0-0 draw on Saturday afternoon.
For Everton fans, the result added to recent optimism following news that The Friedkin Group’s takeover of the club has been approved by the Premier League.
However, few traveling supporters would have expected their team to leave north London with a point, given Arsenal’s strong form and Everton’s struggles this season.
Despite Everton’s uphill task, Mikel Arteta was quick to express his disappointment after the game, blaming the Toffees’ approach and their defensive resilience for his side’s failure to secure all three points.
Ashley Young, tasked with containing Gabriel Martinelli, delivered a strong performance, epitomizing Everton’s gritty display. Meanwhile, Jordan Pickford impressed with a string of fine saves that kept Arsenal at bay.
What Mikel Arteta said about Everton
Speaking to Sky Sports after the match, Arteta said:
“Very disappointing not to win the game. We fully deserved to win the game.
“We conceded no shots. We dominated play. When we generated big chances. No set pieces. They didn’t run. We did all the right things up to the last 20 metres, where we generated big situations but, at the end, we didn’t score a goal.
“No. It doesn’t matter. Look at the intensity of what we generated in the second half.
“Frustrating especially when we concede zero [chances] and dominate the game so much.”
Arteta’s frustration was evident, but Everton manager Sean Dyche will not have been overly concerned. Everton’s strategy of shutting down Arsenal’s attacking threats and battling for every ball proved effective, earning them a valuable point.
Everton’s deserved point with a gritty display
For Everton, this was not a match about style but substance. With injuries sidelining key players like Dwight McNeil, the Toffees focused on defensive organization and determination.
Although Arsenal dominated possession and created chances, Everton’s ability to hold firm will provide Dyche’s side and their fans with renewed optimism as they fight to climb the Premier League table. Arteta may not have been impressed, but for Everton, this was a job well done.
