Arsenal holds Everton as new bosses watch

Carlo Ancelotti, named the new Everton boss barely an hour before kick-off, 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. The result lifted Everton to 19 points from 18 games, while Arsenal moved to 23 points from the same number of duels.

A battle of outgoing caretakers - Everton’s Duncan Ferguson and Arsenal’s Freddie Ljungberg - failed to produce any fireworks and suggested their successors face a demanding task to rebuild their respective clubs. Former Everton striker Ferguson, who oversaw a 3-1 win over Chelsea coupled with draws against Manchester United and Arsenal, acknowledged he would join Ancelotti’s backroom staff a happy man.

“We wanted three points but what a fantastic performance from us,” Ferguson told BT Sport.

“I couldn’t have asked anymore from the players, they’ve been fantastic for me. The game was a bit scrappy. We were a bit leggy after (the League Cup defeat by Leicester City on) Wednesday but fought it out. We got a point and a clean sheet.”

Everton dictated proceedings in the first half as 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.

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 its defence to deal with a flurry of Everton crosses into its penalty area.

Ljungberg said he is still uncertain whether he would remain at Arsenal as part of Arteta’s staff.

“I’ve been told by the club it wants me to stay but I will have a meeting with Arteta (on Sunday) and hopefully it’s a good one,” said the Swede.

“I wanted to see people that would run and fight for the team. We can’t rely on our name, we have to fight and do the dirty things. We had a very young side out there because I wanted energy.”