Coming into the clash against Arsenal, the foundation of Everton's season was quaking, and the walls looked like tumbling down, sooner rather than later. Having opened their campaign with four wins from a possible five, garnering thirteen points in the process, Ronald Koeman's side have been on a downward spiral resulting in them amassing just one win in ten games. Rumours of discontent were already brewing in the stands, message crystal clear. For all the money spent in the summer, a drastic improvement was needed. The gunners visit to Merseyside made that task all the more difficult.
The lack of confidence,in the side, thanks to poor form, was visible from the outset as Everton made a shaky start to proceedings. Passes were misplaced, the groans from the stands grew louder. It was little surprise that Arsenal opened scoring in the twentieth minute. A clumsy foul resulted in a set piece for the gunners. Up stepped Alexis Sanchez to notch his twelfth league goal of the season. His attempt was poorly struck, a huge deflection off defender Ashley Williams changed the trajectory of the ball though, and it was 0-1 to the gunners, despite the efforts of goalkeeper Stekelenburg to keep it out. Oh not again the home Evertonian fans hoped. They have been here before.
Deservedly the gunners led, as Everton had been second best up until the opener. Credit though to the boys in blue for turning the tide. After Aaron Lennon saw a chance go begging for the hosts, the scores were level come the 44th minute.
A flowing move resulted in Leighton Baines delivering a cross to the back post. His teammate on the opposite flank, Seamus Coleman marauded forward to head home his third league goal. Game on. All square at the break, with the second forty five to play for.
On resumption of play, the game duly opened up, with both sides going full throttle for the victory. But by then, Everton had the wind in their sails, putting the shaky Arsenal defense--missing the injured Shkrodan Mustafi--under pressure.
Chances came and went for both sides. Ozil misfiring from close range, off a Sanchez cross, Barkley and Lukaku going close for the hosts. A goal was sniffing around. And with four minutes of normal time left, Evertonian fans were in dream land.
His glee was untold, as the goal secured Everton only their second win in their last eleven premier league games.
A miraculous save from Petr Cech--from a goal bound Jagielka strike--resulted in a corner. Everton had scored so many late goals this season, was another forthcoming? Then came the delivery from Ross Barkley, the moment the ball left his boot, a goal seemed inevitable. And inevitable it was. Ashley Williams rising to nod home a goal, that might well change the fortunes of Everton's season. The gunners were stunned. A fourteen match unbeaten run on the line. For Koeman and Everton, his team were on the cusp of a major victory, and a major upset too.
An enthralling finale ensued. Arsenal pouring bodies forward, Everton defending with their lives. The home fans were edgy, surely not another heartbreak for their team, they hoped. With defender, Jagielka earning a needless red card in the closing stages, hope was all they could cling to, amidst the late barrage of pressure from Arsenal. They had come too far to fall short, had crossed the Rubicon to ill afford looking back. Arsenal went for broke, Wenger sending on striker, Lucas Perez, in place of Coquelin. Koeman responded, bringing on defender,Funes Mori for McCarthy. Attack versus defense.
Deep into stoppage time, it seemed as though the latter had prevailed. The ball ping ponged in the Everton penalty box. Gunners midfielder, Iwobi let fly. It looked destined for the net, or so Arsenal thought. From nowhere though, a majestic Baines block bailed his team out. Three points secured for Everton.
What a sad tale for Wenger's men, particularly after going in front. Pending results on Wednesday, they could well fall six points behind leaders Chelsea, and have Liverpool and Manchester city breathing ferociously down their necks.Unbeaten run, since the opening day of the season shattered. With Manchester city next up for the gunners at the Etihad stadium, this was ground lost in the hunt for the title. For Koeman and Everton, they will look to go on a good run themselves, after this awesome result. What a big difference three points makes.
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