A fine 84th-minute goal by substitute Gerard Deulofeu earned Everton a 1-1 draw at Arsenal on Sunday that prevented the English Premier League leaders from moving seven points clear.
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Arsenal had taken the lead only four minutes earlier, through Mesut Ozil, but with a handsome advantage beckoning, on-loan Barcelona forward Deulofeu smashed home to earn his side a point that their endeavour deserved.
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Having seen Chelsea, Manchester City and Manchester United drop points on Saturday, Arsenal are nonetheless five points clear of Liverpool and Chelsea ahead of their trip to City next weekend.
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Defending champions United, meanwhile, are now 13 points behind Arsene Wenger's side in ninth place.
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The first-half was a cagey affair with good spells of possession for both sides, but there were few chances to show for it early on.
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With halftime nearing, and dissent in the crowd growing, Arsenal roused themselves, but when first Giroud and then Aaron Ramsey were sent through, Everton goalkeeper Tim Howard twice flew out to block with his legs.
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The assault continued in the second half, with Howard obliged to save a header from Cazorla, but Everton served a reminder of their threat on the break when Steven Pienaar extended Arsenal goalkeeper Wojciech Szczesny with a 25-yard shot.
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Back at the other end, Howard was called into action again to push away a volley from the sliding Ramsey, before the impressive Barkley stung Szczesny's palms with a rasping drive.
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With 23 minutes to go, Wenger elected to twist rather than stick, introducing Theo Walcott, Tomas Rosicky and Mathieu Flamini in place of Wilshere, Ramsey and Cazorla.
Arsenal did not do well today at all. I'm very disappointed in them. too bad