Everton1 - 1Arsenal

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta opted to drop Jurrien Timber, Thomas Partey, Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Martinelli to the bench in a bid to keep his key players fresh for Tuesday's Champions League clash with Real Madrid.

Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard were among those who came into the side, with the pair combining for the latter to give Arsenal a half-time lead at Goodison Park.

However, Everton's Iliman Ndiaye restored parity in the early stages of the second period, equalising from the penalty spot to punish Myles Lewis-Skelly for a clumsy foul.

Jordan Pickford did his part to help David Moyes's side hold on for a point, making strong stops from a Declan Rice free-kick and a fierce Martinelli shot.

The Gunners ultimately had to be content with a share of the spoils, which seemed like a fair result following a cagey contest.

Arsenal are now 11 points adrift of leaders Liverpool, who have the chance to go 14 points clear on Sunday, while Everton are in 14th spot after drawing for the fifth time in six matches (L1).

SPORTS MOLE'S VERDICT

Arteta would have been disappointed with the sluggish start his team made to the second period, which ultimately proved to be decisive in terms of the result.

However, the Arsenal boss will put the result in context, knowing that his team's title hopes were effectively over before the trip to Goodison Park, demonstrated by the fact he made changes to his side with an eye on the upcoming duel with Real Madrid.

Arteta would have been pleased to get more minutes into Bukayo Saka's legs after he came off the bench at half time, while Jakub Kiwior proved he is capable of stepping up in Gabriel Magalhaes's absence.

Meanwhile, Moyes will be satisfied with the hard-earned point, even if his team are now winless in six Premier League matches.

EVERTON VS. ARSENAL HIGHLIGHTS

Trossard goal vs. Everton (34th min, Everton 0-1 Arsenal)

Arsenal find the breakthrough at Goodison Park. Sterling leads a clinical counter-attack after Everton carelessly lose possession in the Arsenal half. The 29-year-old carries the ball until finding the opportune moment to lay it off to Trossard, who shifts it onto his left foot before drilling a low shot into the far corner.

Ndiaye goal vs. Arsenal (49th min, Everton 1-1 Arsenal)

Penalty to Everton. VAR confirms the on-field decision after referee Darren England penalises Lewis-Skelly for bringing down Jack Harrison just inside the box. Ndiaye keeps his composure to send David Raya the wrong way to bring the Toffees onto level terms inside the opening stages of the second period.

MAN OF THE MATCH - ILIMAN NDIAYE

Ndiaye ultimately provided one of the key moments of the game, showcasing great calmness to convert the spot-kick that secured the Toffees a point against the Premier League's second-placed side.

The forward also offered Everton's greatest attacking threat during the contest, drawing three fouls and registering three shots.

Ndiaye is now Everton's top scorer in the Premier Legaue this season, having registered seven goals in 26 top-flight appearances.

EVERTON VS. ARSENAL MATCH STATS

Possession: Everton 29%-71% Arsenal

Shots: Everton 5-14 Arsenal

Shots on target: Everton 2-5 Arsenal

Corners: Everton 3-8 Arsenal

Fouls: Everton 17-13 Arsenal

BEST STATS

WHAT NEXT?

After being frustrated by Everton, Arsenal will now turn their focus to the important matters of the Champions League, with the Gunners set to face reigning European champions Real Madrid in Tuesday's quarter-final first leg at the Emirates Stadium.

As for Everton, they will attempt to clinch their first win since February 15 when they travel to the City Ground for a meeting with Nottingham Forest next Saturday.

Written by

Ben Sully