Arsenal overcame their Goodison Park problems to secure a 1-0 win over Everton thanks to substitute Leandro Trossard’s second-half goal.
The Gunners were in poor form when they visited the blue half of Merseyside, and it looked like things were not going to go their way when Gabriel Martinelli had a goal disallowed after 19 minutes due to a controversial offside move.
But Trossard – who replaced Martinelli after an injury in the first half – was in the right place to score the winner with just over 20 minutes remaining, despite the valiant efforts of a stubborn Toffees side.
The defeat leaves Sean Dyche’s Everton in the relegation zone, with just one point from their first five Premier League games.
Mailsport‘s ISAAN KHAN discusses some of the things you might have missed at Goodison Park.
Leandro Trossard’s goal helped Arsenal end their long run of poor form at Goodison Park
Sean Dyche (L) could use a full bench, while Mikel Arteta replaced his goalkeeper
No dramas for Raya on debut
After David Raya’s move from Brentford to Arsenal it was always inevitable that he would start at some point. The busy schedule for the Gunners, including the return of Champions League football, was the reason for the signing of the Spaniard.
But taking over Aaron Ramsdale in their fifth league game of the season? That was very unexpected.
On Sunday afternoon he spent much of the match outside his area, the sweeper-keeper element prized by Mikel Arteta. There was little for him to do, although a zero is a zero, which will be a big confidence booster.
All eyes will be on the number 1 spot for Wednesday’s European match against PSV.
David Raya enjoyed a solid Arsenal debut at Goodison Park after joining from Brentford
No position on potential controversial new owners
It is breathless to say that Everton supporters have gone through the ringer in recent times, and Friday’s news of Miami-based company 777 Partners’ takeover deal worth more than £500 million evoked familiar feelings. There are already questions about the source of funding.
There were no banners or attitude in sight at Goodison Park on Sunday, although the task of facing Arsenal may have kept the fans somewhat occupied.
Welcome team depth for Dyche
For Sean Dyche, he had important options on Everton’s bench this time, including Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
A luxury of nine men, most of whom were senior players, compared to the only four established outfield substitutes available against Sheffield United in their previous league match.
Gunner’s jinx is finally gone
Arsenal’s away match at Goodison Park is finally over. Prior to Sunday, their only win in the past seven visits came in October 2017, when they won 5-2.
The terrible run in its entirety:
April 2019: Everton 1 Arsenal 0
December 2019: Everton 0 Arsenal 0
December 2020: Everton 2 Arsenal 1
December 2021: Everton 2 Arsenal 1
February 2023: Everton 1 Arsenal 0
Sunday: Everton 0 Arsenal 1
Arteta is all about faith and loyalty
Arteta sticks with players regardless of fans’ feelings. Kai Havertz was an example, with calls for him to be dropped ahead of the match against Manchester United.
Yet Fabio Vieira’s performances had attracted attention in recent weeks, and his reward was a start here at Goodison Park.
Vieira looked lively throughout; his assist for Gabriel Martinelli in the 19th minute was canceled out by a VAR offside decision.
It shows that the north London club’s season will be about much more than just eleven players.
Fabio Vieira’s recent performances at Arsenal have seen him rewarded with a start at Goodison Park
No joy for home fans at Goodison
Everton have now lost six of their last seven Premier League games at Goodison Park, losing their last three 1-0
Everton stops productive Jesus record
Gabriel Jesus enjoys playing against Everton as he has scored eight league goals against them – more than any other team he has played against.
His introduction from the bench after 66 minutes probably should have happened earlier. Nevertheless, three minutes later the Gunners were ahead