Everton and Arsenal played out a drab goalless draw at Goodison Park on Saturday, as new managers Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta watched from the stands.
In what was Freddie Ljungberg’s last match in-charge as Arsenal’s caretaker manager, the Gunners produced a listless performance. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford had just one notable save to make, stopping Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang’s half volley with a superb reflex save.
In the end, however, neither side had any sort of quality to grab all three points at the culmination of 90 minutes. Despite the insipid performance, though, Arsenal fans were thankful to Ljungberg, expressing their gratitude on social media.
Thank you, Freddie Ljungberg. It’s a shame that things didn’t work out as we all hoped, but we all appreciate your efforts and wish you well in whatever you choose to pursue next.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) December 21, 2019
Thank you @freddie. You’ve handled the last few very difficult weeks with nothing but dignity. You’re a credit to Arsenal football club pic.twitter.com/fChs1Ox585
— Steph (@stephpgold) December 21, 2019
Thank you for all your work ❤ @freddie pic.twitter.com/vby9brNAZr
— evan 》 (@afcevan) December 21, 2019
Thank you @freddie thank you. You tried your best and we love you for that ❤️ #Arsenal pic.twitter.com/EqRT9w2RGN
— ??Princess Gooner ?? (@GoonerGirl1969) December 21, 2019
Thank you for your hard work in these weeks, @freddie.
We love you! pic.twitter.com/UJYWZS46Ed
— Berita Arsenal (@BeritaArsenal) December 21, 2019
Mikel Arteta has an uphill task ahead of him as Arsenal’s new manager and fans and rivals alike recognised the same in their post-match thoughts with some healthy trolls.
Ancelotti and Arteta rushing to the boardroom at half-time to hand in their resignation letter #EVEARS pic.twitter.com/iROYCC6Uxb
— Darinzze (@Utd_Darinzze) December 21, 2019
Arteta and Ancelotti both watching the game in the stands pic.twitter.com/U1kdlTgQgC
— dayo (@Gideonxxx_) December 21, 2019
When arteta gets in that dressing room #EVEARS pic.twitter.com/ma77qnEpu1
— MrGunn3rx (@MrGunn3rx) December 21, 2019
Ancelotti and Arteta watching that first half pic.twitter.com/nYH73JbbV4
— ? (@DribblingAssist) December 21, 2019
Arteta has been here for less than 24 hours and we keep a clean sheet in an away league game. This guy has outdone Guardiola’s legacy already lmao
— Aubazettes (@Aubazettes) December 21, 2019
Rumours that both Arteta and Ancelotti have resigned are apparently not true.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) December 21, 2019
Arteta trying to revive arsenal #EVEARS pic.twitter.com/1GlUCFjhLv
— meow meow skrrr (@kingkoncept10) December 21, 2019
But, there were a few offering balanced views as well.
Arteta has a pretty big job on his hands. Going to take 18 months to get us anywhere near competing.
— AFCAMDEN (@AFCAMDEN) December 21, 2019
Mikel Arteta has a huge job ahead of him. It won’t be an overnight fix, we’ll have to be patient, but I urge you all to remain calm and stick by him. Klopp & Pep took time to adjust, so Mikel will presumably be no different. A new era starts from here.
— Patrick Timmons (@PatrickTimmons1) December 21, 2019