Independent
"Heading into the match, the only Premier League team more out-of-form than the Gunners was bottom club Sheffield United," writes Karl Matchett for the Independent. "Over the last six in the league, Mikel Arteta’s team had managed just two points and two goals, with their place in the table plummetting accordingly.
"The evidence on show at Goodison Park indicated very little is set to change.
"So much build-up play was directionless, the lack of incisive running and passing was a continuing theme from recent matches and yet again their only route to goal came from the penalty spot or other set-pieces.
"There remains an awful lot to do for Arteta."
Telegraph
"Arsenal currently serve as a warning of how the ideology is often more attractive than the reality," writes Chris Bascombe for the Telegraph. "They look a poorer version of what they were in the final days of Arsene Wenger, bereft of the occasional sprinkling of stardust his teams provided, even during inconsistent spells.
"The absence of Pierre-Emerick Aubamayang, out for ‘one or two weeks’, naturally did not help.
"But before Arsenal can get back to being renowned for their style, they need to show they are able to fight, especially in venues like this. The ease with which they conceded two first-half goals does not bode well.
"There was also more Arsenal energy in the second half. When Pickford dropped Willian’s cross on 54 minutes, David Luiz’s effort deflected onto the post.
"That did not trigger a sustained threat, Pickford increasingly benefiting from the excellence of Michael Keane and youngster Godfrey.
"On 90 minutes, Godfrey was first to the ball again in a left wing chase against Joe Willock. There was the symbol of the game and difference between the teams."
"It was a night to make Mikel Arteta long for the relative sanctity of his days running Everton’s midfield and one to leave him wondering if there is any way out of the hell he has stumbled into," Ian Herbert writes for the Daily Mail.
"The lowest point of many came midway through the first half, when David Luiz remonstrated with Mohamed Elneny for… passing to him.
"It was impossible to lip-read from a distance of 100ft but the Egyptian’s crime appeared to be his failure to shift the ball forward. Some general waving ensued between the two of them and the game moved on, Arsenal drowning in a sea of mediocrity.
"But that moment seemed to encapsulate the pitiful state this once great club find themselves in.
"Luiz is one of the players you might expect to be leading them away from the abyss and he certainly has things to say to the players around him.
"But there was little more than the hand gestures and outstretched arms, telling them he was in a state of perpetual frustration."
Guardian
"Mikel Arteta received polite applause from the Gwladys Street end before and after kick-off, but not what he needed most on his return to Goodison Park," writes Andy Hunter for the Guardian.
"Arsenal showed a little fighting spirit, while keeping 11 men on the pitch, but precious little quality as their miserable form extended to seven Premier League games without a win.
"Everton ascended to second without having to shine.
"Arsenal, anaemic in the first half, improved markedly after the break yet still lacked the guile, composure and penetration to hurt their hosts. They have now taken a pitiful five points from the last 30 available.
"Arteta and Ancelotti both reach their first anniversaries this week but only the latter can raise a toast.
"The Arsenal manager, who has presided over the club’s worst start to a season since 1974-75, admitted: "I understand the situation. My energy and focus is on getting the team out of this situation. You can’t deny the spirit the players have shown every time they are on the pitch, but the results are not acceptable for the standards of this football club."
