Arsenal’s chances in the Premier League title race took a hit once again as they were held to a frustrating draw against Everton.
The Gunners pushed and probed the Toffees, but with little luck as Jordan Pickford managed to keep out the few chances that were afforded to the home side.
A frustrated Emirates Stadium crowd could only helplessly watch on as their Arsenal side limped to a 0-0 against Everton.
It gives Mikel Arteta plenty to ponder, not least how he can quickly get his side firing in front of goal once again.
With some big games coming up for Arsenal, Theo Walcott has pinpointed the issue loudly and clearly so that the manager can solve it.
Theo Walcott discusses Arsenal’s open-play goal problem
After another difficult draw, former Arsenal player Theo Walcott looked to dissect the issues that the Gunners faced.
Speaking on the BBC’s Match of the Day, the ex-forward revealed how Everton managed to double up with their defensive duties out wide to frustrate the home side.
When they were breached, the quality of Pickford was enough to help stop the Toffees from being breached on too many occasions.
The problem for the game, and the season as a whole, was very succinctly put by Walcott at the end of the show.
He simply said: “Goals from open play is the issue for Arsenal this season,” Walcott proclaimed when looking at the stats for the campaign, which make for tough reading.
It underlines that set-pieces have been key to picking up some points, but can’t be relied upon as often or as reliably as those open-play chances.
Arsenal’s open-play goal stats in the Premier League
Rather worryingly for Arsenal, their open-play statistics make for poor reading and aren’t something that’s expected of a team pushing for the title.
They currently sit ninth for open-play goals – with 18 scored this season – behind the likes of Liverpool, Chelsea, Tottenham and even Wolves.
| Team | Open-play goals scored |
| Chelsea | 27 |
| Tottenham | 26 |
| Liverpool | 25 |
| Brentford | 24 |
| Fulham | 22 |
| Man City | 22 |
| Wolves | 22 |
| Brighton | 21 |
| Arsenal | 18 |
It shows the desperate need to solve the issue, with Arsenal’s lack of threat in general play costing them huge points.
The side already have six draws this campaign, one more than last season and showing the lengths to which they’ve dropped so far.
While the race is far from over, with a few months and some big clashes ahead, no more mistakes can be made if they are to become champions.
Receive a digest of our best Arsenal content each week direct to your mailbox
