At Goodison Park, under the weight of expectation and the pressure of a relentless title race, Arsenal faltered once more. In a game they desperately needed to win, Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a 1-1 draw by an Everton side that refused to be overawed. It was Iliman Ndiaye, the young Senegalese forward, who proved decisive calmly slotting home a penalty that may have punctured the last real breath in Arsenal’s title ambitions.

The Gunners began brightly, controlling the tempo and asserting their quality early on. Raheem Sterling was at the heart of their attacking play, and it was his vision and drive that led to the opener. A mistimed header in midfield gave Sterling the space he needed to surge forward before finding Leandro Trossard, who beat Jordan Pickford with a sharp low finish into the far corner in the 34th minute.

Arsenal’s lead, though narrow, seemed to be a sign of things to come. They looked fluid, dangerous, and purposeful. But the Premier League has never been one to reward the early narrative. Just four minutes into the second half, Everton struck back though not without controversy. Myles Lewis-Skelly was penalized for a foul on Jack Harrison in the box. The contact was subtle, mutual even, but VAR upheld the decision, and referee Darren England pointed to the spot. Iliman Ndiaye stepped up and with nerves of steel, sent David Raya the wrong way to level the scores.

That moment turned the tide. From then on, the match became a test of Everton’s grit and Arsenal’s resolve. The Gunners had chances Martinelli tested Pickford with a fierce drive, and Declan Rice curled one just wide but they never looked fully convincing. Everton’s backline, marshaled with determination, repelled every wave of pressure. Jordan Pickford, with a handful of superb saves, stood like a wall between Arsenal and salvation.

The final whistle confirmed more than just a result it signaled a reality. Arsenal are now 11 points behind Liverpool, who still have a game in hand. With just seven matches left to play, the path to the title looks more like a mirage with each passing week. The North London side, who had once again promised so much, find themselves needing a miracle.

For Everton, this was a triumph of spirit. Sean Dyche’s men were resolute and intelligent in their approach. The point sees them move to 14th place, 15 points above the relegation zone a comfortable cushion earned through resilience.

As for Arsenal, attention now shifts to Europe. A Champions League quarterfinal looms against Real Madrid, and the weight of expectation only grows. Another season, another stutter, and for the red half of North London, dreams of domestic glory seem to be slipping away once more.