Arsenal earned a thrilling win on Sunday evening as they edged Everton 3-2 in a topsy turvy clash at the Emirates Stadium.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin kept up his hot streak in front of goal as he scored with a brilliant, acrobatic effort within the first minute of the match. Arsenal got the equaliser mid-way through the first half as youngsters Bukayo Saka and Eddie Nketiah combined for an exquisite finish from the latter. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then predictably got on the scoresheet as he completed the first-half comeback for the Gunners.
Richarlison levelled with virtually the last kick of the half with a close-range finish, only for Aubameyang to score again even quicker after half-time than Calvert-Lewin did in the first-half as Arsenal finally saw off the resurgent Toffees.
Red hot start from the Toffees
Coming into the match having not won at Arsenal since 1996, Everton were not optimistic of getting a result. Those worries were put to bed straight away as a free-kick within the opening minute deflected to Calvert-Lewin who finished spectacularly with an overhead kick.
Arsenal reacted very well to going behind as Aubameyang put some shots off target. However, Nketiah did get the equaliser as he latched onto a brilliant ball in from substitute Saka and prodded the ball into the far corner of Jordan Pickford’s net.
Gunners complete turnaround but Everton equalise
The visitors struggled to cope with the Gunners from then on as Aubameyang put them ahead for the first time in the game. Making an excellent run, the forward latched onto a perfect through-ball from David Luiz and then finished into the far corner with consummate ease for his 16th Premier League goal of the campaign.
Just as they thought they would be heading into the break with the lead, the Toffees themselves drew level. After Arsenal failed to clear a ball into the box, Gylfi Sigurdsson then tried his luck with a bouncing effort. Yerry Mina nodded the ball towards goal and Richarlison prodded it in with the lightest of touches.
Aubameyang again for Arsenal
The Gunners though reclaimed the lead immediately after half-time. Afforded plenty of room on the penalty spot, Aubameyang stooped low to head in Nicolas Pepe’s cross for another barmy chapter in what was turning out to be a crazy match.
For all of their excellent attacking play, Arsenal still looked vulnerable at the back. It took a great stop from Bernd Leno to prevent Calvert-Lewin from getting a second as the ball fell to him just yards out but the German goalkeeper was out well. He also produced a great low save with his leg to deny Richarlison as Everton continued their pursuit of an equalising goal.
Arsenal seal the points
By the final whistle, Arsenal were starting to hang on. They were however nearly handed a gift by Pickford as his pass was picked off and played through to Arsenal’s first goalscorer Nketiah but his curling finish hammered off of the crossbar and away.
There were still chances for Everton to earn at least a point out of the game as Calvert-Lewin twice won headers in the Arsenal penalty area but on both occasions he was off target as the Gunners sealed a brilliant three points.
Final Thoughts
This match was most certainly one for the forwards as opposed defenders at the Emirates Stadium. Some of the defensive play really was atrocious from both sides. However, Arsenal possess one of the best strikers in the world in Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and he proved the difference between the two sides.
Match Report
Arsenal: Leno (6); Kolasinac (6) (Saka (7), 19′), Luiz (6), Mustafi (6), Bellerin (6); Xhaka (6), Ceballos (6) (Torreira (N/A), 76′); Aubameyang (9), Ozil (7) (Guendouzi (N/A), 82′), Pepe (7); Nketiah (7).
Everton: Pickford (6); Baines (6), Holgate (6), Mina (5), Sidibe (6); Schneiderlin (6) (Gomes (6), 59′), Delph (7) (Kean (N/A), 82′); Iwobi (6) (Bernard (6), 60′), Sigurdsson (6), Richarlison (7); Calvert-Lewin (7).
Goals: Calvert-Lewin (1′), Nketiah (27′), Aubameyang (33′, 46′), Richarlison (45+5′)
Referee: Stuart Attwell
Yellow Cards: Schneiderlin (31′), Richarlison (45+2′), Sigurdsson (73′), Gomes (90+4′)
Red Cards: N/A
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