Arsenal failed to capitalise on Premier League leaders Liverpool dropping points as they were held to a frustrating goalless draw by Everton at Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta’s side remain third, six points behind Liverpool having played a game more than the Reds, who drew 2-2 draw at home to Fulham.
The Gunners had 76% possession and a total of 13 shots, but could not find the breakthrough against an Everton side that defended resolutely and had only two shots in the entire game.
The first of those came in the sixth minute and was arguably the best chance of the contest when Abdoulaye Doucoure was played through, but the Toffees midfielder dallied too long and his strike from an angle was blocked by Gabriel.
The hosts hogged the ball thereafter but found it difficult to create many clear-cut openings, with skipper Martin Odegaard dragging a shot wide and seeing another deflected effort clawed away by Jordan Pickford.
The England number one made a stunning reflex save to deny Bukayo Saka at the start of the second half and though Arsenal huffed and puffed, a winning goal eluded them.
Arsenal lack killer instinct
This was a game which Arsenal needed to win to haul themselves back into the title race, but their inability to find an end product cost them dear.
Having come close as runners-up to Manchester City for the past two seasons, their ambitions for a first title since 2003-04 were dealt a huge blow here.
The Gunners have now failed to win half of their 16 league games this season, and have had back-to-back draws in the league, following the result at Fulham last weekend.
As expected, Arsenal dominated possession but without a recognised number nine to call upon, they lack a killer instinct in the final third.
Gabriel Jesus was sent on from the bench with 20 minutes remaining, but the Brazilian was unable to conjure any magic and has now gone 23 top-flight games without scoring.
Saka had Arsenal’s best chance but was denied by the excellent Pickford and although they earned eight corners – they have scored a league-high 23 goals from corners since the start of last season – they were unable to find the net from one on this occasion.
Their most presentable opportunity from a corner came in the second period, but Mikel Merino’s tame header was comfortably caught by Pickford.
Everton, meanwhile, will leave much the happier after collecting a thoroughly deserved point on the road with a clean sheet and a terrific showing at the back.
Doucoure should have done better with his chance early on and there was a scare in the 90th minute during a coming together between Vitalii Mykolenko and Thomas Partey inside the box, but both the referee and VAR decided it was not a penalty.
The Blues remain in 15th place, three points above the relegation zone, and though they have lost only two of their past 11 games, they have won just three times all season.
