Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw for the second consecutive match in the English Premier League, as they faced Everton at home on Saturday in the 16th round.
The draw left Arsenal in third place with 30 points, while Everton climbed to 15 points, remaining in 15th place.
Everton created the first real threat of the match, with Doucoure meeting a well-delivered cross with a powerful header that sailed just over the crossbar.
A few minutes later, Arsenal responded with a low shot from Odegaard, but it drifted wide of the right post.
Arsenal dominated possession in the following minutes, though they struggled to create clear chances until the 29th minute, when Odegaard fired a low shot that Pickford expertly saved and turned into a corner.
Martinelli then made a penetrating run into the Toffees’ penalty area and fired a shot toward the far left corner, but Pickford was alert and made the save. The first half ended in a goalless stalemate.
The second half almost saw the Gunners take the lead through Saka, who struck the ball with a first-time shot near the goal, but Pickford made a crucial save to deny Arsenal the opening goal.
As the minutes ticked by and Arsenal struggled to break down Everton’s defence, Mikel Arteta made two surprising substitutions, bringing off Rice and Odegaard for Jorginho and Nwaneri.
Despite these changes, Arsenal continued to lack the finishing touch, unable to find a way past Pickford despite their increasing pressure.
In the 74th minute, Arteta made his final change, bringing on Trossard in place of Martinelli.
Arsenal pressed hard in the final stages of the match, hoping to snatch a late winner, but Everton’s defence held firm, blocking all attempts before they could become a real threat.
In the dying moments of regular time, Partey went down inside the penalty area following a challenge from Everton defenders. However, after a VAR review, the referee decided not to award a penalty.
Everton’s defence remained resolute until the final whistle, with the match ending in a goalless draw.
