It remains goalless after 45 minutes of play in the Premier League encounter between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium.
The first opportunity fell Everton's way in the sixth minute when Seamus Coleman's through-ball made its way to Steven Pienaar. The South African just had Wojciech Szczesny to beat but lifted his shot high over the crossbar.
A scrappy quarter of an hour followed before Marouane Fellaini underhit a clearance straight to Santi Cazorla on the edge of the area. The Spaniard laid it on once more to Kieran Gibbs but the full-back's shot rose over.
Two Everton players were cautioned in the opening 45 and Darron Gibson could have seen red but referee Neil Swarbrick decided not to book him again for a barge on Theo Walcott.
It wasn't until the 39th minute when the first shot on target came. Ross Barkley's effort from outside the area was easily held by Szczesny.
Moments later the Toffees came closer when Barkley turned cleverly in the middle and fed Victor Anichebe. The striker was challenged upon shooting but the ricochet almost squeezed under the dive of Szczesny.
Arsenal then had a clear chance to take the lead when Aaron Ramsey sent over a low cross that Olivier Giroud slid wide in front of an open goal.
Victory for Everton this evening could see them rise into the European places.
Pascal Lemesre
