THE NOTEBOOK: Arsenal’s hoodoo at Goodison Park is finally over as Leandro Trossard’s goal beats Everton, as Sean Dyche finally had options of note on the Toffees bench
- Leandro Trossard’s second-half strike earned Arsenal a 1-0 win away at Everton
- It ended a long running hoodoo of poor results for the Gunners at Goodison Park
- Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off’
Arsenal overcame their Goodison Park problems by earning a 1-0 win over Everton courtesy of substitute Leandro Trossard’s second-half hit.
The Gunners were on a run of bad form when visiting the blue half of Merseyside, and it looked like things might not go their way when Gabriel Martinelli had a goal disallowed for a controversial offside call after 19 minutes.
But Trossard – who replaced Martinelli after a first-half injury – was in the right place to smash home the winner with just over 20 minutes remaining, despite the valiant attempts of a dogged Toffees side.
The defeat leaves Sean Dyche’s Everton in the relegation zone at this early stage of the season, with only a solitary point from their first five Premier League games.
MailSport‘s Issan Khan looks over some of the different talking points from Everton 0-1 Arsenal:
Leandro Trossard’s goal helped Arsenal end their long-running poor form at Goodison Park
Sean Dyche (L) had a full bench to utilise, while Mikel Arteta changed up his goalkeeper
Upon David Raya’s move from Brentford to Arsenal, there was always an inevitability he would start at some point. The congested schedule ahead for the Gunners, including the return of Champions League football, had been the rationale for the Spaniard’s signing.
But usurping Aaron Ramsdale in their fifth league game of the season? That was very much unforeseen.
He spent much of the game outside his area on Sunday afternoon, that sweeper-keeper element valued by Mikel Arteta. There was little for him to do, though a clean-sheet is a clean-sheet, which will be a great confidence booster.
All eyes will be on the No1 spot for Wednesday’s European fixture against PSV.
It’s air to say that Everton supporters have been through the ringer in recent times, and Friday’s news of Miami-based firm 777 Partners’ £500million-plus takeover deal reared up familiar feelings. There are already questions over the funding’s source.
At Goodison Park on Sunday, no banners or particular stance could be seen — though the task of facing Arsenal may have occupied fans somewhat.
For Sean Dyche, he had options of note on the Everton bench this time — including Dominic Calvert-Lewin. A luxury of nine men on hand, most of whom were senior players, in comparison to the mere four established outfield substitutions available against Sheffield United in their previous league game.
Arsenal’s away hoodoo at Goodison Park is finally over. Prior to Sunday, their only victory in the seven past visits was back in October 2017 when they won 5-2.
Upon David Raya’s move from Brentford there was an inevitability he would start at some point
Fabio Vieira’s recent Arsenal performances saw him rewarded with a start at Goodison Park
Arteta sticks by players regardless of fan feelings. Kai Havertz was an example, with calls to drop him ahead of the Manchester United game. Yet Fabio Vieira’s performances had caught the eye in recent weeks, his reward a start here at Goodison Park.
Vieira looked lively throughout, his assist for Gabriel Martinelli 19th-minute strike cancelled out by the VAR’s offside decision. It goes to show that the North London club’s season will revolve around far more than just 11 players.
The lack of goals turned thoughts to the fully-fit Gabriel Jesus sat warming the bench. He has a particular penchant for the Toffees, having scored eight league goals against them — more than any other team he has faced.
His introduction after 66 minutes, to replace Eddie Nketiah, arguably should have been sooner. Nevertheless, three minutes later the Gunners were in front.
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