Although Arsene Wenger would never say it, taking great satisfaction from a draw at Everton may just be an admission that Arsenal are now in a fight for a top-four finish rather than the Premier League title.

At first glance, this could appear as a point gained thanks to a fabulous Robin van Persie stoppage-time strike against a well-organised side buoyed by an eight-game unbeaten run.

But early-season defeats by Fulham, Hull and Stoke removed the Gunners' margin for error in mounting a genuine title challenge and meant games like this tough trip to Goodison Park have become necessary victories.

Some comfort can be taken in avoiding defeat for the ninth consecutive League match but the reality is that Aston Villa have opened up a five-point gap in fourth place and leaders Manchester United are simply in danger of drifting out of sight. "We are on a good run so it was very important not to lose once we went 1-0 down," said Wenger (right). "To keep Everton at a distance and to keep our run going was vital.

"It was strange because we went 1-0 down when we didn't expect to be in trouble and we didn't give many chances away.

"A point is never enough because we always play for three points but it was a difficult game tonight and, for me, Everton are as big a threat as Aston Villa for the top four place."

Villa, who are unbeaten in 11 games, show no signs of cracking as the run-in approaches but French midfielder Abou Diaby believes the Gunners will still finish in the top four.

He said: "We do not look at the table - we are very focused on our games. Of course, Villa have been fantastic and are in front of us but we are focused on our job and what is most important is what we are doing on the pitch.

"We are not going to let up until the end of the season. We are going to try to get points in every game and won't give up."

Last night was essentially a team with no strikers playing against another with no natural wingers. Everton dealt with their shortcomings better, thanks to David Moyes's tactical acumen and an incredibly high workrate in equal measure, with Tim Cahill and Marouane Fellaini the best exponents.

The Toffees were deployed in a 4-2-3-1 formation, with Mikel Arteta and Phil Neville protecting the back four and given the responsibility of denying Arsenal the space to play their intricate football.

Samir Nasri's tendency to cut inside played into Everton's hands, while Denilson looked hopelessly lost on the other flank. The result was that wingers Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar were able to exploit the space and attack Arsenal's full-backs almost at will.

It was, therefore, little surprise the opening goal came courtesy of a ball delivered from the flank. Leighton Baines got forward from left-back to deliver a fine cross and Arsenal had managed to get themselves in such a defensive muddle that Gael Clichy - all 5ft 8in of him - was left to mark Cahill, whose aerial prowess is surpassed by few in English football.

Predictably enough, the Australian makeshift forward sent a superb header past goalkeeper Manuel Almunia for his 100th career goal.

By playing two defensive midfielders, it limited passing options and forced Arsenal to play more direct to Van Persie and Emmanuel Adebayor in attack - a form of service that does not ideally suit either.

Consequently, Arsenal were disjointed but there were still flashes of their trademark flowing football.

Van Persie missed the best chance of the first half from an excellent Nasri cross, while Denilson sidefooted aimlessly over the crossbar after half time when in a great position on the edge of the penalty area.

After Cahill's strike, one of those more direct Arsenal passes finally paid off as Diaby lifted the ball into Van Persie, who controlled the ball into his path before smashing a fierce shot past Tim Howard from inside the left edge of the penalty area.

Of course, the argument Arsenal are in a scrap for fourth place rather than a title race is given credence by the way they are now perceived by opponents who previously struggled to consider themselves their equal. As Moyes said: "Overall, we deserved the three points but it's amazing how far you have come when you are disappointed that you have only taken a point at home to Arsenal.

"Aston Villa will be more pleased with this draw than anybody."

Meanwhile, Gunners boss Wenger has hinted Andrei Arshavin's protracted transfer from Zenit St Petersburg could reach a conclusion in the next 48 hours.

Arsenal have been locked in talks over a £15million move since the transfer window opened and Wenger said: "Ninety per cent we will give you more in the next two days.

"I don't know anything now. I cannot tell you that because in this kind of job sometimes the 10 per cent is more important than the 90 per cent because people can change their mind quickly."