Arsenal FC remain undefeated after their sixth competitive game of the season. The Gunners struggled with Everton’s defensive bulwark for long periods in their away win at Goodison Park, but the three-goal win was ultimately fine
Everton FC went into the game against the Gunners with just one point from their first four games under coach Sean Dyche. Like his opposite number, the 52-year-old opted for two changes after the 2-2 draw at Sheffield, re-stocking the right side with Mykolenko and McNeil. Patterson and Garner were left on the bench for the time being.
For the Gunners, who have not lost a match so far this season and can boast a broad chest, coach Mikel Arteta caused a stir with one of his two changes after the 3-1 defeat against Manchester United. Fabio Vieira, who replaced Havertz in midfield, was joined by summer newcomer Raya in goal for the first time. Regular keeper Ramsdale – also with a view to the upcoming Champions League week – was merely left in a spectator role.
The start of the game, and in fact most of the first half, was at least partly as expected. The visitors from London certainly had more of the game, but Everton’s defence hardly gave the Gunners any space to combine.
Arsenal in VAR and injury trouble
After 19 minutes, the runners-up found a gap in the deep defensive bulwark through Fabio Vieira and Gabriel Martinelli, but the Brazilian’s goal was ultimately disallowed by the video assistant due to an offside position by Nketiah.
There were only very few chances worth mentioning on either side, and the substitution of Gabriel Martinelli due to injury aggravated the mood of Mikel Arteta and his team (24th). The supposed goal scorer was replaced by Trossard. Consequently, the game went into the dressing rooms with a goalless draw.
After the restart, it took only two minutes before Pickford got the upper hand in a duel with Ödegaard (47th). The back line of the home side continued to stand deep in the following minutes, with only Zinchenko’s volleys allowing the Gunners to find a way through.
Substitute Trossard saves the day for the Gunners
In the 69th minute the time had finally come: The favourites from London took the lead – this time without VAR objections. After a pass from Saka, Trossard hit the ball with the utmost precision from around 15 metres out, directing it against the inside left-hand post, from where it bounced into the net.
Everton then showed more attacking intent, but it was the Gunners who had the best chance of the rest of the game. Despite the missed chances of Ödegaard and Fabio Vieira (both 77th), the visitors deserved their away win.
While Everton are not in Premier League action again until next Saturday at Brentford FC (6.30pm), Arsenal’s next game is already on the agenda during the week. The Gunners will host PSV Eindhoven on the first day of the Champions League group stage.
