Arsenal 0–0 Everton
by Layth Yousif
at Ashburton Grove 

IT WAS fitting that the PA played “Don’t Stop Believing” after a frustrating afternoon in north London.

The music from early 1980s America rockers Journey seemed apposite after Arsenal failed to break down a steadfastly obdurate Everton side, as Mikel Arteta’s side dropped two more points in their stuttering title hunt.

Never mind that rivals Liverpool drew against Fulham at Anfield, the Gunners needed to extract three points from Sean Dyche’s well-drilled Toffees – and simply didn’t achieve their aims.

The Gunners were solid at the back, with centre-back Gabriel Magalhaes deemed fit to start after missing the draw at Fulham and the Champions League victory over AS Monaco in midweek. The Brazilian showing his worth when preventing Abdoulaye Doucoure from firing home early on in arguably Everton’s only chance. 

The 26-year-old took the place of Jakub Kiwior, while talented 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly kept his spot at left-back, after an impressive performance against the Ligue 1 side.

Jurrien Timber replaced Thomas Partey as makeshift right-back, while Kai Havertz got the nod over the misfiring Gabriel Jesus. While Riccardo Calafiori remained absent, as did Oleksandr Zinchenko.

Everton made a single change from the side that beat Wolves last time out in the Premier League, with Dwight McNeil missing out with Jack Harrison as replacement.

Prior to kick-off much-loved and much-missed Kevin Campbell was honoured with a tifo display, in tribute to the former Arsenal and Everton striker who played with such distinction for both grand clubs.

The front cover of the official match programme also published a picture of the late forward, who died at the tragically young age of 54 in the summer. So much of an impact did the loveable Londoner make with both clubs there was even an advertising hoarding outside the stadium portraying his turning out for both clubs. Not to mention the Gooner Fanzine having the big man on one of its covers.

And when Bukayo Saka received Arsenal's player of the month award for November, it was presented to him by Kevin Campbell's sister, Lorna. A lovely touch from the club and all concerned.

However, there was no such empathy shown on the pitch, as Arsenal dominated the opening stages in search of a goal.

Jordan Pickford did well to deny Martin Odegaard just before the half hour mark with an excellent stop, with the Gunners captain well-placed.

The England keeper also blocked Gabi Martinelli’s effort shortly before the interval, and again straight after the break from Saka’s sharp volley that looked to be heading low into the corner.

The former Sunderland shot-stopper then held Saliba’s head from the resulting corner as Dyche’s side remained solid despite Arteta enacting a raft of substitutions in a vain bid to break down their tenacious opponents — who were well worth a point, amid a smattering of boos from the frustrated home support at the final whistle. 

It was fitting the ball remained in Pickford's hands at the end, as he more than anyone ensured Dyche’s Toffees gained a vital draw, even if they still haven’t scored away from home since October.

Speaking afterwards, Arteta said: “I feel very disappointed not to win the game, because, obviously, if there’s a team that deserved to win, there’s only one, which is Arsenal.”