Arsenal s bid to finish in the Premier League s top four was dented on Sunday as Phil Jagielka s early goal gave Everton a deserved 1-0 home win.
Unai Emery s men could have leapfrogged Tottenham into third with a draw but will now slide back to fifth if Chelsea secure a point or more at home to West Ham on Monday.
The defeat, their first in seven league games, was no less than deserved after a timid display that was punished when an unmarked Jagielka, in as a late replacement for the unwell Michael Keane, seized on a loose ball in the 10th minute, the 36-year-old tucking home as Arsenal s defenders appealed in vain for offside.
The arrival of Aaron Ramsey at half-time led to an improved second-half showing but the Toffees capably dealt with rare defensive concerns in rising to ninth.
Jagielka learned of his elevation to the XI shortly before kick-off and was soon celebrating his first goal in two years, Lucas Digne s long throw having broken kindly to him in the box.
Phil Jagielka scores 10 mins into his 1st appearance at Goodison Park this season
Everton 1-0 Arsenal (15 mins)
— Premier League (@premierleague)
That extended a shaky Arsenal s season-long wait for an away clean sheet and their defensive stocks took a hit when Sokratis Papastathopoulos earned a booking that rules him out of games against Watford and Crystal Palace.
Ramsey, who battled a groin issue during the week, stepped off the bench at the interval and quickly increased Arsenal s lean shot count.
Bernard, Gylfi Sigurdsson and Richarlison all fluffed good chances to double the home side s advantage as the second half wore on, the latter especially culpable for a wayward finish with time to pick his spot.
The misses ultimately mattered little, though, as Marco Silva s men held firm for a fifth clean sheet in six and third consecutive victory.
What does it mean? Away days an ongoing annoyance for Arsenal
Sub-par performances away from home became a theme in the latter stages of Arsene Wenger s long reign and new Gunners boss Emery has had little success in rectifying the situation.
His team have now won just once in their past nine Premier League road trips, a record they will come to rue if Champions League qualification eludes them.
1 Arsenal attempted just one shot in the first half their fewest in the first half of a Premier League game since May 2016 against Man City (also one shot). Blunt.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe)
Calvert-Lewin a maturing leader of the line
Goals may still be rare for Calvert-Lewin but the 22-year-old s impact in general play continues to improve. He never let Arsenal s defence relax and played a key role in Jagielka s winner.
Elneny fails audition in an awkward midfield axis
With star man Ramsey deemed only fit enough for a place on the bench, Mohamed Elneny was drafted into Arsenal s starting XI. He might not get many more opportunities, though.
The Egypt international lost possession eight times in his 45 minutes on the pitch, failed to register a tackle and, alongside Matteo Guendouzi, was part of a midfield pairing that set the tone for a meek display.
What s next?
Arsenal entertain Napoli in the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final tie on Thursday before a trip to Watford the following Monday.
Everton will look ahead to next Saturday s trip to already-relegated Fulham with some relish.
