Dyche-ball debut halts Arsenal's title charge

Everton went into their home tie against Arsenal with a fresh face in the dugout. Sean Dyche recently took over the reigns and it was Toffees fans' first chance to see their new man in action. His well-known tactics were expertly carried out, as Everton snatch three vital points for their survival hopes.

End-to-end first half

After a non-existant transfer window in terms of incomers for the home side, the difference in the standings was plain to see in the opening stages of the game. The Gunners went straight onto the front foot, trying their best to maintain the recent form their fans have quickly become accustomed to. The visitors ultimately lacked conviction in the final third in the opening stages, leaving the door ajar for the home side to profit.

After soaking up the initial pressure, the famous Dyche-ball came into its own after what had been a long spell away from the main stage of the Premier League. Everton grew into the game, putting their possession to good use when they had it. Calvert-Lewin was lucky enough to go close, but nothing seemed to be seriously threatening visiting keeper Aaron Ramsdale. The Merseyside fans were left particularly disappointed when no one could not quite find a toe onto the end of a brilliant Onana cross after he charged down the left flank with purpose.

The remainder of the opening forty-five saw both sides exchanging chances, with the fans treated to an end-to-end spectacle. Young star Nketiah will have been particularly disappointed not to have found the opener after he fired into row Z from six yards out. 

The second period started off in the same vain, with the Toffees more than happy to sit back and soak up the Gunners' pressure to start with. Arteta's men were similarly unable to benefit from their domination on the ball, and were frustrated not to be ahead despite their pressure. Dyche's men were resolute in their plan, robbing the away side from a corner on the break. Tarkowski was looming at the back post, as the centre-back clinically headed it straight past Ramsdale.

Arsenal getting frustrated

It cannot be said it was not a worthy lead, as Everton had, up to that point, been looking threatening when they had been going forward. Arteta was keen to not let this affect his side's mentality, though, and his side were soon back on the front foot in the Everton half. As timed passed, Arsenal were getting more and more time in the Everton half, trying to edge their way back onto the scoreboard.

The longer the match went on without them finding a way back onto the scoreboard, the more frustrated the away side were getting. Even substitutes Trossard and debutant Jorghino were unable to break down the solid Everton defence. Home fans would have been proud of their side's performance, as they never seemed intimidated by the visitors' pressure. Pickford's time-wasting tactics helped run down the clock and make it an unpleasant return to Goodison Park for Mikel Arteta.

This result breathes new life into Everton and lifts them up to 17th, out of the relegation zone. Arsenal remain top, but it hands City a lifeline in the title race. They will be hoping to get back to winning ways in their next game at home to Brentford.

 

February 4, 2023