Everton stun Arsenal 1-0 in huge league win
Arsenal suffered its second loss in the Premier League this season as Everton claimed a shock 1-0 victory over the league leaders on Saturday in the first match with new manager Sean Dyche at the helm.
James Tarkowski’s 60th minute header from a Dwight McNeil corner proved to be the winning goal, showcasing the intensity and desire of a team that previously sat near the bottom of the table.
While Everton temporarily moved out of the relegation zone, Arsenal suffered its first league defeat since September.
Manchester City could reduce the gap to Arsenal to two points if they win against Tottenham on Sunday, though Arsenal would still have a game in hand.
This defeat is considered one of Arsenal’s worst performances this season, at a time when the team was well positioned to win the league for the first time in 17 years.
Everton displayed improved shape and organization under Dyche, traits he has demanded from his former Burnley teams and sees as crucial to maintaining the club’s top-flight status.
The first half saw Everton create better chances, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin unable to convert from close range and Abdoulaye Doucoure missing a header.
Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah failed to convert for Arsenal, who struggled to keep possession and lost their composure. In stoppage time, Oleksandr Zinchenko and Neal Maupay clashed off the ball, leading to frustration.
Jorginho, who joined Arsenal from Chelsea earlier in the week, came on as a substitute but did not make a significant impact.
Recap
Goodison Park
Everton
Arsenal
| Game Statistics | ||
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Yellow cards | 1 |
| 0 | Red cards | 0 |
| 7 | Corner Kick | 5 |
| 2 | Saves | 3 |
| 4 | Shots on Goal | 3 |
| 12 | Shots | 15 |
| OFF | 3 | |
| F | 13 | |
| SH | 12 |
| 0 | OFF | |
| 8 | F | |
| 15 | SH |
