On their path to the first Premier League title since 2004, the Gunners won in many important games against strong opponents (Tottenham, Manchester United, Liverpool, Chelsea), but then, totally unexpected, they lost to a relegation struggling team: Everton – Arsenal 1-0. Everything was going Arsenal’s way, as Mikel Arteta’s men were in form and looked to extend their lead over Manchester City and register 100th win over lowly Everton in the process. The Toffies are in a disarray and their own fans protested ahead of this match, since they all agree that this is the worst run club in England. Enter new coach Sean Dyche.Mikel Arteta has faced Everton three times at Goodison Park since becoming Arsenal manager.He’s lost all three games. 😳 pic.twitter.com/krehK3SCFz— Squawka (@Squawka) February 4, 2023 The English tactican needed only one game in charge to show everybody that Everton can avoid the drop, if they continue to play like they did this afternoon. Everton have won three of their last four Premier League games against Arsenal and Sean Dyche continued that streak with a good tactical setup, but the Toffies didn’t play like Burnley. Well, they looked like the Clarets a bit, but still created chances, not one, not two, but four good ones, more than Arsenal and managed to score the winning goal.“Board full of liars” Everton fans take to the street in protest against their board pre-match against Arsenal. 🪧 pic.twitter.com/IDLcuQ4cVg— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 4, 2023 Just one point in the last 7 games, but Everton managed as much as three great chances against league leaders in the first 45 minutes. Calvert-Lewin had a good shot in the 25th minute, but Ramsdale made a nice save. Then the Gunners survived two close ones in two minutes. First Onana took out Odegaard from the game and took a shot, but the ball went just near the net, and then Doucoure found himself alone 10 yards from goal line, but failed to put a proper header. The visitors nearly punished all those misses five minutes from time, when Saka’s voley way on target, but Coady was back in time just to clear the ball from the goal line.And the second half started with another great chance from a home team. Gana’s shot took a wicked deflection but Ramsdale recovered brilliantly, keeping the game scoreless. Martinelli made a great solo effort and assisted Nketiah, who then passed the ball to Odegaard, but his effort ended high over the crossbar. In the 59th minute, finally a breakthrough for the Toffies. Dyche’s former player James Tarkowski was the strongest after a corner kick and smashed the ball into the net for the surprising lead. After the initial shock, the Gunners tried to do something, but failed to score after Trossard and Saka missed their chances. Manchester City are not only five points away from Arteta’s team but they are facing a tough match with Tottenham on Sunday.PREMIER LEAUGE – Matchday 22FridayChelsea – Fulham 0-0Saturday Everton – Arsenal 1-0 (0-0)/Tarkowski 59/18.00: (2.00) Aston Villa (3.50) Leicester (4.10)18.00: (1.95) Brentford (3.50) Southampton (4.40)18.00: (1.40) Brighton (4.90) Bournemouth (9.00)18.00: (1.40) Man.Utd. (4.50) Crystal Palace (8.50)18.00: (4.00) Wolverhampton (3.60) Liverpool (2.00)20.30: (1.70) Newcastle (3.70) West Ham (5.90)Sunday 17.00: (2.70) Nott.Forest (3.10) Leeds (2.75)19.30: (4.90) Tottenham (3.60) Man.City (1.75)***odds are subject to change***
