Arsenal is going through a difficult period, and last night’s match only added to their miseries. On the contrary, Everton’s season couldn’t go better than this, as they are one of the contenders for that shiny Premier League trophy. And it looks like Everton are clearer of the things they want to achieve this season, as their results tell the same story. Let’s closely examine the events of yesterday’s match:
FIRST-HALF:
It was in the 22nd minute when Everton took the lead from an own goal, scored by Rob Holding of Arsenal, who accidentally diverted the ball to his own goal post while trying to defend against the cross of Alex Iwobi. Both teams lacked that finishing touch throughout the game, as Arsenal’s talisman Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang missed the game due to a calf injury. Arsenal reacted constructively to their own goal and began to make improvements in their gameplay. In the 33rd minute, Tom Davies’s challenge on Ainsley Maitland awarded the penalty to the Gunners, which Nicolas Pepe scored smartly by tricking Everton’s goalkeeper. But as the odds were in the favor of the Toffees, just before the half-time whistle, Everton’s Yerry Mina scored a brilliant header from the corner and put his team ahead. It was a well-deserved lead for Ancelotti’s side as they were more smooth and confident side throughout the first half.
SECOND-HALF:
As the second-half started, Arsenal came out of the tunnel as a more balanced and energetic side, but again they missed someone to finish the goal-scoring chances. They lacked clarity in the final third area of the pitch. Still, the Gunners gave Everton a tough time in the second-half as Mikel Arteta introduced young substitutes in the second half. While Everton opted for a more defensive approach. At the end of the day, the Toffees successfully defended their lead and neither of the two teams scored any goals in the second half.
As Everton won this clash by the margin of 2-1 and extended their winning streak to three matches, and they are currently sitting at 2nd place in the Premier League table, only behind Liverpool. While it was a night to forget for the Gunners, there were positive sensations from them but once again they couldn’t get the job done. Arsenal is having a terrible season, they have lost 8 of their last 12 matches and as the match ended, they are only 4 points above the relegation zone. It’s their worst start to the campaign in decades, and things are not looking good for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta, both were recruited by their respective clubs almost a year ago, and both managers have very opposite results. But the campaign is still young, and Mikel Arteta was hopeful in the post-match press conference as he still thinks they can fight for the title. In football, you can always expect the unexpected and that’s the most fascinating part of the beautiful game. Will Arsenal turn their situation around? Or will things become even worst for them?
