Everton 2-1 Arsenal
It is rare that a Premier League clash is an anniversary party for more than one man.
Yet this teatime Goodison fest was exactly that as Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta celebrated a year in charge of their respective clubs.
However, there could only be one winner; one person who enjoyed the anniversary gathering.
That man was the wily old Italian who emerged triumphant against the young Spaniard as Everton made it three wins in a week.
Highlights of the game
Everton actually started this contest as favourites with the SBOTOP Premier League 2020 betting odds.
Over the past week they had been in fine form, producing Premier League 2020 highlights to see off Chelsea and, in midweek, success at Leicester City.
There were two changes from that victory as Jordan Pickford returned in goal, while Tom Davies replaced the injured Allan in midfield.
Club captain Seamus Coleman was on the bench but star James Rodriguez was not ready to return following a calf injury.
In contrast, Arsenal could not have received worse news before kick-off after striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang was ruled out through injury.
With Granit Xhaka and Gabriel already suspended, and Thomas Partey still absent, Arteta made two changes with Willian and David Luiz returning to the starting XI.
After the club’s worst start to a top-flight campaign since the 1974-75 season. Arteta admitted this week that he feels the difficulties of management more now than ever.
His side’s first-half showing did little to improve the mood.
Indeed, Everton were pretty dominant and thoroughly deserved the lead given to them on the stroke of half-time.
They had initially gone in front when centre back Rob Holding inadvertently deflected Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s flick past his own goalkeeper, Bernd Leno.
The visitors were given a reprieve within 10 minutes and it was a soft goal for the hosts to concede as Davies fouled Ainsley Maitland-Niles and Nicolas Pepe netted from the spot.
That was against the run of play though and, after Leno superbly tipped over a Calvert-Lewin effort, Yerry Mina headed in at the near post from the resulting corner.
An error by Pickford nearly gave Arsenal another way back seven minutes after the restart but, while the goalkeeper failed to deal with a cross sufficiently, David Luiz was unable to capitalise as his shot was deflected onto the post and out.
That was as close as either side got to scoring in the second half until four minutes from time when young Joe Willock headed wide from close range before Pickford beat away a Bukayo Saka shot deep into stoppage time.
That was that and Everton are up second (for now at least) – the highest Premier League position the Toffees have been in at Christmas was third (2004-05).
Meanwhile, their former favourite Arteta is in the middle of a slump with Arsenal winning 13 of their 33 Premier League games, in contrast to 14 of their 17 matches in cup competitions under his stewardship.
His first 12 months at the helm have been eventful to say the least, bringing the joy of FA Cup and Community Shield triumphs in the midst of the pandemic, right through to their current slump which has put his position under scrutiny.
There are signs though of genuine progress and, in these times of trigger-happy chairmen and chief executive, Arsenal would be well placed to give him time.
Key statistics
Arteta has now lost as many Premier League matches as Arsenal manager as he has won (won 13, draw eight, lost 13).
Arsenal have won only once in 10 Premier League games, losing four of the last five.
Arsenal haven’t scored from open play in any of their last five Premier League away games, with their two goals on the road since Alexandre Lacazette’s strike against Liverpool both coming from the penalty spot.
Rob Holding’s own goal was the third by an Arsenal player in the Premier League this season (also Saka v Aston Villa and Aubameyang v Burnley). The Gunners had netted just two own goals in their previous four league campaigns combined.
Each of Yerry Mina’s last four Premier League goals for Everton have come in the 45th minute of matches. In Premier League history, only Chris Eagles has scored as many consecutive goals in the same minute before (four in the 90th from 2007-2011).
Arsenal’s tally of 34 Premier League wins against Everton is a club record against any opponent.
The Gunners have scored 111 goals in this fixture, a Premier League record for one club against another.
What’s next?
This fixture triggered the start of the busy festive period and it’s busier for Everton and Arsenal than most clubs.
The Toffees host Manchester United in the League Cup quarter-final in midweek (Dec 23), followed by a Boxing night trip to Sheffield United, closely followed by welcoming Manchester City to Goodison Park just 48 hours later.
Arsenal have a League Cup quarter-final of their own on Tuesday with City the visitors to the Emirates. A big London derby awaits against Chelsea on Boxing Day before a trip to the south coast and Brighton three days later.
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