In a tense Premier League clash at Goodison Park, Everton fought back to secure a 1-1 draw against Arsenal, thanks to Iliman Ndiaye’s coolly converted penalty. The result, which saw Leandro Trossard’s first-half opener canceled out, leaves Arsenal’s title hopes hanging by a thread and raises new tactical questions for manager Mikel Arteta ahead of a crucial Champions League showdown with Real Madrid. Here’s a deep dive into the key moments and talking points from the match.
Arsenal’s First-Half Control Undone by a Costly Error
Arsenal started the game with composure and intelligence, dominating possession in the opening 45 minutes. Their breakthrough came in the 34th minute when Trossard finished off a swift counter-attack. Raheem Sterling capitalized on a mix-up between Everton’s Idrissa Gueye and Jarrad Branthwaite, racing forward before laying the ball off to Trossard, who fired a low shot past Jordan Pickford. It seemed too easy for the Gunners, with Everton’s defense caught off-guard despite having numbers back.
Trossard nearly doubled the lead in stoppage time, only for Pickford to thwart his effort. However, the failure to extend their advantage almost cost Arsenal before the break, as Ndiaye found space but couldn’t hit the target. The warning signs were there, and Arteta’s men would soon pay for their missed opportunities.
A Second-Half Slip and Ndiaye’s Redemption
After the interval, Arteta brought on heavy hitters Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli to inject fresh energy. Yet, the real drama unfolded at the other end. A defensive lapse saw goalkeeper David Raya scramble to clear a dangerous moment near his box, but the reprieve was short-lived. Minutes later, 18-year-old Myles Lewis-Skelly, starting at left-back, misjudged his positioning against Jack Harrison. A clumsy challenge saw Harrison tumble in the penalty area, and referee Darren England pointed to the spot. VAR upheld the call, and Ndiaye stepped up, sending Raya the wrong way to level the score at 1-1.
The equalizer shifted the momentum, and despite Arsenal’s late push, they couldn’t regain the lead. With Liverpool potentially extending their lead to 14 points if they win their game in hand, Arsenal’s title aspirations are fading fast.
Key Talking Points from Goodison Park
- Lewis-Skelly’s Inexperience Exposed
Myles Lewis-Skelly’s rapid rise at Arsenal has been well-documented, but this match highlighted his growing pains. After a red card against West Ham earlier this season, his error-strewn display at Goodison Park—first losing Harrison, then conceding the penalty—underscored his rawness. At 18, mistakes are inevitable, but his resilience in bouncing back will be key for Arsenal moving forward. - Kiwior Faces a Real Madrid Test
With Gabriel sidelined for the season, Jakub Kiwior stepped in to shore up the defense. He handled Everton’s Beto well in the first half, but his communication with Lewis-Skelly faltered during the penalty incident. Facing Real Madrid’s lethal trio of Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo on Tuesday, Kiwior’s performance will be under intense scrutiny. - Ben White Stakes His Claim
Ben White’s return to the starting lineup at right-back, his first since November due to knee surgery, offered a glimmer of hope. Playing an hour alongside a halftime substitute Saka, White showed solidity. Arteta may lean on this partnership against Madrid, especially with Jurrien Timber only fit for the bench. - Sterling’s Quiet Impact
Raheem Sterling, ineligible for the Champions League tie, made his mark with the assist for Trossard’s goal. His first league start in over a month showed flashes of his quality, though his 45-minute outing suggests he’s still finding his rhythm. Arsenal will need every ounce of his experience to finish the season strongly. 
- Arteta’s Rotation Gamble Backfires
With an eye on Real Madrid, Arteta rotated heavily, resting Saka, Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard initially. The fringe players struggled to close out the game, forcing the manager to deploy his stars earlier than planned. Odegaard’s late introduction couldn’t turn the tide, exposing the risks of juggling priorities amid an injury crisis.
What’s Next for Arsenal?
This draw leaves Arsenal as their own worst enemy, squandering points they can ill afford to lose. As they prepare to face Real Madrid, Arteta must address defensive vulnerabilities and manage fatigue among his key players. For Everton, Ndiaye’s penalty could be a turning point in their season, boosting confidence under David Moyes. The Premier League title race may be slipping away from Arsenal, but their European ambitions remain alive—for now.
