Kai Havertz’s late finish gave Arsenal a 2-1 win over Everton, but their Premier League title bid fell just short on the final day.
The Gunners went into the match needing a favour from West Ham, who travelled to face Man City, but Pep Guardiola’s side took the lead through an early brace from Phil Foden and the pattern of the afternoon was set. Idrissa Gana Gueye’s deflected free-kick to open the scoring flattened the mood further at the Emirates Stadium, even if it was briefly lifted when Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised immediately and Mohammed Kudus pulled one back before half-time in Manchester.
Kai Havertz and Emile Smith Rowe both hit the bar for Arsenal in the second-half as the hosts pushed for a winner, which eventually came with a couple of minutes remaining as the German turned into an empty net. That was not enough to force any late title drama, with City cruising to a 3-1 win over West Ham, but Arsenal had at least the comfort of knowing they did their job on the final day, with a 16th win in 18 Premier League matches since the turn of the year.
Arsenal vs Everton updates
Live updates
GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Everton | Kai Havertz 89'
Arsenal do have their goal!
At last. Jesus slides in Odegaard, he’s clean through. Not convincing from the Arsenal captain, but it rolls into Havertz’s path and he has the simplest of finishes.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
88 mins: Havertz... heads over. Chances are coming fairly regularly, Arsenal not at their clinical best.
At the Etihad, Soucek thinks he has pulled one back for West Ham, but VAR chalks it off. It’s still 3-1 Man City.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
86 mins: All Arsenal now, piling forward in search of a late winner.
Jesus’ curled effort is headed away by Branthwaite. Could have gone anywhere, as it is it’s a corner.
Odegaard swings it in, Everton clear the danger again.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
83 mins: Off the bar again - just not happening for the Gunners.
Martinelli stands up the cross, Smith Rowe’s volley bounces into the ground and up onto the woodwork.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
80 mins: It’s all very scrappy.
Arsenal a long, long way from their best so far this afternoon. Feels like those early City goals, and the impact it had on the crowd, derailed things.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
77 mins: Arsenal keeping the ball, but struggling to create much in the way of clear-cut chances.
Everton rock solid at the back. Very little space.
Another change for the hosts. Jesus replaces Trossard.
Simon Collings at the Emirates
Jordan Pickford has been superb today. Made a number of brilliant saves to keep Arsenal out.
Bodes well for England this summer.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
73 mins: Welcome back...
Timber has a booking on his long-awaited return. Slides in and brings McNeil down, halting a dangerous Everton counter.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
72 mins: How have Arsenal not scored?!
Odegaard six yards out, blasts an effort at goal but a combination of Branthwaite and Pickford keeps it out.
Smith Rowe then somehow denied from the rebound. Incredible defending.
Arsenal 1-1 Everton
69 mins: Two Arsenal changes - hugely popular ones too.
Timber and Smith Rowe on, replacing White and Partey.