Premier League Match Report: Arsenal loses at Everton

Arsenal could have moved to the top of the Premier League table-for 24 hours or so at least-with a win away at Everton today, but instead lost 2-1.

Things started well enough for the Gunners, who had a lot of possession in the first 20 minutes or so, and managed to score first thanks to a rather spectacular Alexis Sánchez free kick that deflected off-and then went through-the legs of Everton defender Ashley Williams and into goal.

After that goal, however, it was all downhill for Arsenal. Everton started pressing and pretty much dominated the last 20 minutes or so of the first half. It was just before halftime when Seamus Coleman headed in the equalizer off of a Leighton Baines cross but frankly the goal had been a long time coming.

It was also apparently a pretty tense first half, as some of the players were getting chippy with each other while heading into the locker room, in particular Mesut Özil and Seamus Coleman.

Arsenal looked a bit better in the second half, but never really managed to take control or get any dangerous chances. In the 54th minute Alexis was passed the ball to Özil in the penalty box but he just kicked it right over the goal in what would turn out to be the best chance Arsenal had all match.

Everton continued to attack Arsenal after this, and finally, after what felt like their third corner kick within a minute, Ashley Williams headed in the match winner at around the 86th minute mark.

The Gunners had a couple chances to tie things up during a frantic final minute of stoppage time, but all told the loss was a fair result given that Everton looked like the stronger team throughout the match.

Still, it’s a pretty big missed opportunity for Arsenal. Everton had been in poor form heading into today, while Arsenal hadn’t lost a Premier League game since the opening weekend against Liverpool. Probably not coincidentally, this was also the first league match Arsenal has played in a while without defender Shkodran Mustafi, who is out due to a hamstring injury (Gabriel filled in for him today).

And now, that wretched hive of scum and villainy known as Chelsea Football Club looks set to go six points ahead of the rest of the table.

If you haven’t already, be sure to let us know what you think of the performances today in our community ratings.