Arsenal drew 1-1 against Everton on Saturday, making their hopes of a first Premier League title even slimmer than before.

Trossard Scores for Arsenal But Ndiaye Levels

Leandro Trossard’s first-half goal for the Gunners was cancelled out by Iliman Ndiaye’s penalty to leave Arsenal remaining 11 points adrift of Liverpool, who have a game in hand.

Arteta Disappointed With Result and Performance

“Especially with the result, very unhappy,” said Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, who spent six years at Goodison Park as an Everton player.

“This is a very tough place to come, (against) a team who is very physical and direct. If you don’t deal with it, it’s hard to get momentum. The start of the second half was very poor” Arteta highlighted.

Champions League Looms as Arteta Rests Key Players

Arteta had insisted the best warm-up for his team’s Champions League quarter-final, first leg against Real Madrid would be a win on Merseyside.

But the Spaniard indicated he had the visit of the European champions in his sights with his selection.

Bukayo Saka was made to bide his time for his first start since December as the England international was benched along with Martin Odegaard, Gabriel Martinelli, Jurrien Timber and Thomas Partey.

Arsenal Dominant in First Half But Fail to Capitalise

Even missing Gabriel Magalhaes, Kai Havertz and Gabriel Jesus to long-term injuries, Arsenal were still the superior force during the first 45 minutes.

But it was during a rare Everton attack that the visitors scored on the counter-attack.

Raheem Sterling burst through the middle and passed to Trossard who placed an accurate low finish past Jordan Pickford for his first league goal since January.

Ndiaye’s VAR-Assisted Penalty Shifts Momentum

Arsenal’s title challenge, however, has been thwarted throughout the season by failing to score enough goals, even when Havertz and Jesus were available earlier in the season.

Saka and Martinelli were brought on to increase the firepower in the second half, but seconds after the resumption Everton were given a way back into the match.

Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have committed a suspect foul on Jack Harrison and referee Darren England awarded the penalty.

Ndiaye had to wait for a long VAR review to confirm the penalty decision, but calmly sent the wrong way David Raya to level.

Everton Hold Off Late Arsenal Push

Raya was then preserved by a fine save from Abdoulaye Doucoure’s thunderous effort as Everton threatened to mount the game back.

But David Moyes’ side were eventually thankful for a point as they parked the bus in the dying minutes and honed in on Arsenal’s profligate finishing to hold on for a point.

Odegaard and Mikel Merino squandered gilt-edged opportunities to seal a winner when they blazed wayward in the last 10 minutes.

Toffees Boost Liverpool’s Title Charge

Everton’s sole loss in their previous 11 league matches was a sour-tempered 1-0 Merseyside derby loss to Liverpool on Wednesday.

But in spite of the ill feeling between the clubs, The Toffees did Liverpool their local neighbors a favor to bring Liverpool ever closer to clinching the championship.

The point lifts Everton to 14th, now 15 points above the relegation zone.

Moyes Praises Team for Avoiding Relegation Fears

Moyes previously pledged he would not visit the club’s new stadium until safety was assured but said he will now go to see the 53,000 capacity ground this week thanks to the cushion his side have over the bottom three.

“We’re getting closer. It would be very hard for the other sides to get to where we are now,” said Moyes, who added the pressure was on not to spoil the legacy of his first spell at the club with relegation when he returned in January.

“I thought if I take Everton down it would be an absolute disaster! Thankfully the players have responded really well.” said David Moyes.