Arteta left frustrated after Pickford thwarts Arsenal

Mikel Arteta was convinced Arsenal should have taken three points after Everton drew 0-0 at the Emirates Stadium.

Arteta's side have drawn in the Premier League for the first time since April 2023 and have now won just eight of their 16 league matches this season.

The Gunners dominated in terms of chances, scoring an expected goals rate of 1.42 from 13 shots, but were frustrated by goalkeeper Jordan Pickford and the Toffees' stubborn backline.

Arteta said: “It's very disappointing not to win the match. We fully deserved to win the match.

“We didn't concede any shots and dominated the game. When we created big chances, we didn't score a goal.

“It doesn't matter [that Everton had 10 days to prepare]. Look at the intensity we generated in the second half.

“We dominated the game so much.”

Pickford made five saves, with a superb, instinctive stop from Bukayo Saka's volley early in the second half a highlight.

Arsenal 0-0 Everton FT

Arsenal misses a big opportunity to close the gap on Liverpool. A disjointed performance from the Gunners: pic.twitter.com/XbRSWkb8Xb

— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 14, 2024

Only Arsenal (17) have kept more clean sheets in the Premier League in 2024 than Everton (13), who have not had a shot on target.

Sean Dyche admitted his side were not much of a threat in attack on an afternoon when they had just two shots, including an early blocked effort from Abdoulaye Doucoure.

But the former Burnley boss was proud of the way the visitors stood firm and praised full-backs Ashley Young and Vitalii Mykolenko.

He told BBC Sport: “They [Arsenal] are a nice side. We know that. The players have made a big change.

“We showed dedication by doing the basics, pressing and recovering and staying true to that for 90 minutes. I was proud of the players.

“Ashley was in great form and showed great strength of character. Mykolenko, one of his strengths is one against one. The three in midfield were excellent.

“They tried to go over the top to force something that showed how defensively solid we were. It's another step in the right direction.”

Arsenal remain third after missing the chance to close the gap on leaders Liverpool, who drew 2-2 with Fulham at Anfield.

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