EPL: Arsenal’s title hopes fade further after draw at Everton

Arsenal’s slim chances of lifting the Premier League trophy took a major hit on Saturday after they were held to a 1-1 draw by Everton at Goodison Park, a result that could prove pivotal in the title race.

The dropped points mean league leaders Liverpool now need just 11 points from their final eight fixtures — beginning with a clash against Fulham on Sunday — to mathematically secure the championship.

The opening half-hour was scrappy and disjointed, with both sides struggling to establish rhythm. However, the deadlock was finally broken in the 34th minute when Leandro Trossard fired in the game’s first shot on target. The Belgian finished clinically on the counter-attack after latching onto a precise pass from Raheem Sterling.

Trossard nearly doubled his tally just before the break, toe-poking an effort goalward that was smothered by Jordan Pickford. Declan Rice followed up with a shot of his own, but it was blocked by a resolute Everton defence.

Just moments into the second half, Everton drew level. Myles Lewis-Skelly clumsily brought down Jack Harrison inside the box, and Iliman Ndiaye stepped up to calmly convert the resulting penalty.

Buoyed by the equaliser, the home side looked transformed. Abdoulaye Doucouré came close to putting Everton ahead, forcing a sharp save from David Raya, while at the other end, Pickford produced a strong stop to deny a thunderous free-kick from Rice.

Despite late pressure from both teams, neither side could find a decisive goal. The result hands a significant advantage to Liverpool, and a morale boost from their Merseyside neighbours — as the Reds edge closer to reclaiming the Premier League crown.