Everton held by Arsenal as new boss Ancelotti watches on

Everton's Moise Kean, bottom, and Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette battle for the ball during their English Premier League at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Saturday. Photo: Anthony Devlin/AP

Everton's Moise Kean, bottom, and Arsenal's Alexandre Lacazette battle for the ball during their English Premier League at Goodison Park in Liverpool on Saturday. Photo: Anthony Devlin/AP

Published Dec 21, 2019

Share

LIVERPOOL – Everton were held to a 0-0 home draw by Arsenal on Saturday in a dull Premier League clash, which took a back seat to both clubs naming new managers in a bid to revive their fortunes.

Carlo Ancelotti, named as the new Everton manager barely an hour before the kickoff, got a first glimpse of the Toffees from the directors' box as did Arsenal's new head coach Mikel Arteta who was appointed by the Gunners on Friday.

A battle of outgoing caretakers - Everton's Duncan Ferguson and Arsenal's Freddie Ljungberg - failed to produce any fireworks with Everton having the upper hand in a tepid first half.

Gylfi Sigurdsson hit the side-netting from a free kick and striker Cenk Tosun could not get any direction on a sharp low cross by Tom Davies as the home side dictated proceedings.

Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford produced a superb reflex save to deny Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang from close range shortly after the break before an almighty goalmouth scramble nearly resulted in an own goal at the other end.

Neither side could find a breakthrough in the closing stages with Arsenal packing their defence to deal with a flurry of Everton crosses into their penalty area.

Reuters

Related Topics: