Arsenal’s Title Hopes Crumble After Costly Draw Against Everton

Arsenal’s slim Premier League title dreams just got a little slimmer after a 1-1 draw with Everton on Saturday, adding more salt to their 21-year championship drought.

The Gunners briefly took the lead thanks to Leandro Trossard’s strike, but Everton’s Iliman Ndiaye coolly slotted home a penalty—sparking frustration and deflation among the visiting Londoners. Arsenal now trails Liverpool by 11 points, with the Reds needing only 11 more from their final eight matches to lock in a historic 20th title.

Coach Mikel Arteta, once a midfield mainstay at Goodison Park, didn’t hide his disappointment. “Very unhappy,” he sighed, blaming a sluggish second half and Everton’s gritty physicality for the dropped points. He had previously claimed a win would be perfect prep for their Champions League clash against Real Madrid. Instead, it turned into more of a rehearsal in missed chances.

Arteta’s lineup raised eyebrows as stars like Saka, Odegaard, and Martinelli started on the bench. Even with a growing injury list, Arsenal bossed the first half and scored against the run of play via a Sterling-led counter that set up Trossard’s precise finish.

But as has been the theme all season, Arsenal’s problem wasn’t possession—it was putting the ball in the net. And Everton capitalized on their wastefulness. Right after halftime, a dubious foul by Myles Lewis-Skelly gave Everton a controversial penalty, which Ndiaye converted after a lengthy VAR delay.

Everton nearly snatched the win too, with Raya forced into action to deny Doucoure. Arsenal pushed for a late winner, but Odegaard and Merino sent their shots into orbit instead of the net.

For Everton, the point lifts them to 14th and 15 points clear of the drop zone. Manager David Moyes—who once swore he wouldn’t visit the club’s new stadium until safety was secured—said he’s now ready to take the tour. “It would’ve been a disaster if I took Everton down,” he joked. “Thankfully, we’ve turned it around.”

While Everton might not be in the title race, they’ve certainly played a part in deciding it—handing Liverpool a big favor and Arsenal another reason to sigh.

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