Arsenal lose to relegation side Everton

Photo from Sky Sports

The Premier League leaders have lost to relegation side Everton 1-0. Everton, who are in 18th place, pulled off an upset through the tactics of the new manager Sean Dyche. The Toffees captured their first win since October in the league. For Arsenal, it was their third consecutive loss against Goodison Park.

The goal came from the ex-Burnley man James Tarkowski, a former player under Dyche who was able to power through Arsenal’s coverage. It was a header from a corner in the 60th minute. Everton was the better side throughout the game. They frustrated Arsenal with pure grit and determination, a key to many of Dyche’s teams. Everton seemed to out-strength Arsenal and bullied them out of the game. Arsenal’s main chance came to Nketiah in the first half, who blasted it wide of the net.

Photo from Arsenal.com

When asked about the loss, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta kept repeating the same sentiment, one of praise, “For the team, I want the team to know how much I love them, and I love them much more now than three hours ago, a week ago, a month ago, three months ago,”

While Everton goal scorer Tarkowski said, “We’ve lacked that little bit of grit at times, and that’s what the fans want. We’ve seen what it’s all about today.”

A new signing for Arsenal, Jorginho, made his debut for the Gooners. It was a rather lackluster performance by him, but no one on Arsenal looked to be a threat. Arsenal plays Brentford next week, looking to revert their fortunes and get back to winning ways. Everton will look to continue their winning ways as they travel to their rivals, Liverpool, who have been struggling lately.