Arsenal vs Everton: Gunners frustrated by resilient Toffees as Jordan Pickford's heroics steal the show

Liverpool's 2-2 draw with Fulham at Anfield was a setback for their title hopes, giving Arsenal a chance to strengthen their position with a win. However, they were unable to break past an exceptional Jordan Pickford in goal.

The Everton goalkeeper made two crucial saves in the first period, first blocking a deflected effort from Martin Odegaard, who also fired wastefully over in the early stages of the game, then standing tall to block a diagonal shot from Gabriel Martinelli.

Pickford picked up where he left off after half-time, making a superb, reflex save to push Bukayo Saka's volleyed effort around the post as the dogged visitors continued to frustrate Arsenal.

The hosts continued to apply pressure but Everton, buoyed by news that the Friedkin Group's protracted takeover is finally close to completion, put up fierce resistance, repelling a succession of corners.

As at Craven Cottage last weekend, though, where they drew 1-1 with Fulham, Arsenal struggled to turn their dominance into clear chances in the closing stages, making it four points dropped in two games for Mikel Arteta's side and allowing Everton to celebrate a valuable point.

The Gunners remain third, a point behind Chelsea and six behind Liverpool, with both of those sides having a game in hand, while Everton move to 15 points in 15th place.

Analysis: Arsenal lack a killer No 9

For the second Premier League fixture in a row, after last weekend's 1-1 draw with Fulham, Arsenal were left to rue a failure to turn dominance into goals. This was another game to highlight their need for attacking reinforcements. They lack a killer No 9.

Kai Havertz has, for the most part, impressed in the role. His late goal in Wednesday's win over Monaco took him to double figures this season. But that total includes only five in the Premier League and he never looked like scoring here, registering a solitary shot across the 90 minutes.

Arsenal need more from their centre-forward and they seem unlikely to get it from their alternative option in Gabriel Jesus, who has not scored in the competition since January. Like Havertz, he offered little threat after his introduction in the second half.

Arsenal's progress over the last two years has been fuelled by a capacity to share the goals around. It should be noted they broke a club record with their total of 91 last season.

But to take the next step, it seems increasingly obvious that they will need an attacking player capable of making the difference in games such as these. Their efforts to sign Benjamin Sesko in the summer suggest they are aware of it. But, as January approaches, they can ill-afford to allow another window to pass without bolstering their forward line.

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