Arsenal’s bid to finish in the Premier League’s top four was dented on Sunday as Phil Jagielka’s early goal gave Everton a deserved 1-0 home win.
Unai Emery’s men could have leapfrogged Tottenham into third with a draw, but will now slide back to fifth if Chelsea secure a point or more at home to West Ham on Monday.
The defeat, their first in seven league games, was no less than deserved after a timid display that was punished when an unmarked Jagielka, in as a late replacement for the unwell Michael Keane, seized on a loose ball in the 10th minute, the 36-year-old tucking home as Arsenal’s defenders appealed in vain for offside.
The arrival of Aaron Ramsey at half-time led to an improved second-half showing, but the Toffees capably dealt with rare defensive concerns in rising to ninth.
Jagielka learned of his elevation to the XI shortly before kick-off, and was soon celebrating his first goal in two years, Lucas Digne’s long throw having broken kindly to him in the box.
That extended a shaky Arsenal’s season-long wait for an away clean sheet, and their defensive stocks took a further hit when Sokratis Papastathopoulos earned a booking that rules him out of games against Watford and Crystal Palace.
Ramsey, who battled a groin issue during the week, stepped off the bench at the interval and quickly increased Arsenal’s lean shot count.
Bernard, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison all fluffed good chances to double the home side’s advantage as the second half wore on, the latter especially culpable for a wayward finish with time to pick his spot.
The misses ultimately mattered little, though, as Marco Silva’s men held firm for a fifth clean sheet in six and a third consecutive victory.
What does it mean? Away days an ongoing annoyance for Arsenal
Sub-par performances away from home became a theme in the latter stages of Arsene Wenger’s long reign, and new Gunners boss Emery has had little success in rectifying the situation.
His team have now won just once in their past nine Premier League road trips, a record they will come to rue if Champions League qualification eludes them.
Calvert-Lewin a maturing leader of the line
Goals may still be rare for Calvert-Lewin, but the 22-year-old’s impact in general play continues to improve. He never let Arsenal’s defence relax and played a key role in Jagielka’s winner.
Elneny fails audition in an awkward midfield axis
With star man Ramsey deemed fit enough for a place on the bench only, Mohamed Elneny was drafted into Arsenal’s starting XI. He might not get many more opportunities, though.
The Egypt international lost possession eight times in his 45 minutes on the pitch, failed to register a tackle, and alongside Matteo Guendouzi was part of a midfield pairing that set the tone for a meek display.
What’s next?
Arsenal entertain Napoli in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday before a trip to Watford the following Monday.
Everton will look ahead with some relish to next Saturday’s trip to already-relegated Fulham.
