Arsenal Outgunned

Everton boss David Moyes could scarcely have imagined a more satisfying way to celebrate five years in charge at Goodison Park, because Arsenal – even an Arsenal hit by injuries and suspensions and playing below their best – is a massive scalp. And though the visitors dominated possession and created more chances, they never really looked like scoring.

Hard work was the foundation of Everton’s performance, but there was more to it than that. They were calm, resolute and well organised in defence and the skilful Fernandes and the indomitable Carsley in particular made life difficult for Arsenal’s talented midfield. And though they created fewer opportunities than the Gunners, they were more dangerous. In the first half only a desperate last ditch save from Lehmann prevented Andy Johnson from opening the scoring and Lee Carsley seized on a half chance to thunder a shot against the post, then after the interval they hit the post again before AJ’s dramatic winner in the first minute of time added on.

Moyes has created a team with real togetherness and no glaring weaknesses – a team that could still finish the season with a chance of European football to come.