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| Everton's James Tarkafoski after scoring against Arsenal | Photo: Reuters |
Maybe Sean Dyke knows magic! Only five days ago this English coach took charge of Everton. In his first test, he gave a good performance and beat Arsenal, the top team in the points list of the Premier League. Everton beat Mikel Arteta's side 1-0 at home in a counter-attacking match. Tarkofsky scored for Everton. This is Arsenal's second defeat in the league this season. Arsenal went on a 13-match unbeaten run after losing 3-1 to Manchester United in September last year. However, despite this loss, Arsenal is still at the top of the points list with 51 points in 21 matches. Man City's 45 points in 20 matches.
Before entering the field, there were two teams in two poles. Arsenal dream of winning the title after 19 years, Everton fighting to avoid relegation. They were haunted by the fear of relegation to the Championship for the first time. Whether it is because of that fear or not, Everton played with their best from the beginning of the match against Arsenal who are at the top. Arsenal, who cornered the opposition throughout the season, came under pressure today.
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| James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil Everton's goal celebration | Photo: Reuters |
Everton took three consecutive corners between 21 and 23 minutes. Andre Onanara put Arsenal's defense to the test despite not getting a goal in these three corners. Arsenal attacked in the 30th minute. Bukayo Saka passes to Nketia after winning the ball in a fight with Mykolenko. Nketier couldn't put the shot from that pass on the goal post. 30 to 35 minutes—Everton's two biggest chances of the first half came in these five minutes. Dominic Calvert-Lewin failed to get a clear foot on Onana's cross. Then Abdulai Dukore got the ball unguarded 10 yards away from the goal post. However, the Arsenal goalkeeper did not have to test his head.
Saka could have scored in the 40th minute. Conor Quaidy saved Everton by standing in front of the post after evading the goalkeeper. Everton went into the break rueing missed chances and got a second-half goal. Tarkofsky headed in McNeil's corner. This is his first goal in the Premier League. It is also a first for Everton.
Arsenal footballers appealed for a penalty in the 65th minute. However, the referee did not respond to that request. In the end, Sakara wasted one opportunity after another. Odegaard, who has scored the most away goals (6) for Arsenal this season, squandered a chance in the 77th minute.
With this win, Everton moved up two steps to 17th in the points table. Besides being able to get out of the relegation zone for the time being, the confidence of beating the top team in the league is probably the biggest gain for Everton from this match.
