Arsenal Deserved to Beat Everton, Coach Arteta Says After Stalemate

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed his disappointment after his side's 0-0 draw against Everton on Saturday, stating that they deserved to win the match. Despite the result, he praised his team's performance and their dominance throughout the game.
Arsenal had a chance to narrow the gap at the top of the Premier League standings, especially with leaders Liverpool also drawing at home against Fulham. The Gunners, currently third with 30 points from 16 games, struggled to convert their possession and opportunities into goals.

"I feel very disappointed not to win the game because there is only one team that deserves to win, and that is Arsenal," Arteta told reporters following the match, which marked their second consecutive Premier League draw. "We gave nothing away—no shots conceded, we dominated direct play, and our high press was excellent. We generated chances, but we were missing the final touch in the last 20 meters."

Arteta acknowledged that while he wanted more from his team, he couldn't ask much beyond their efforts. "Even if we win, we always want more, but I cannot demand much more from the boys apart from putting the ball in the net."

Everton's defense proved resilient, effectively blocking shots and forcing goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into making several crucial saves. "Credit to Everton for how they blocked shots and for Pickford's saves," Arteta added. "Honestly, it's difficult to ask for more from the team. Individually, we can improve and deliver more quality, but that’s not easy."

In the second half, Arteta made a double substitution, bringing on Jorginho and 17-year-old Ethan Nwaneri for captain Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice. He explained that Rice's exit was due to a minor injury: "With Declan, I had to take him out because he was feeling something."

Regarding Ødegaard's substitution, he noted, "It was a tactical decision to change the rhythm. If Ethan comes in and scores, it's a great sub, but if he doesn't, you've taken your captain out. That's football."
Arsenal's next match will be a League Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Wednesday, followed by a league clash against the same opponents on December 21.