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Arsenal secured their fourth Premier League win in five matches with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Everton at Goodison Park, courtesy of a spectacular goal from Leandro Trossard.
Mikel Arteta made two key changes to the squad that previously triumphed against Manchester United, as David Raya made his Arsenal debut in goal, replacing Aaron Ramsdale, and Fabio Vieira stepped in for Kai Havertz.
Despite an early show of dominance by Arsenal, clear-cut opportunities proved elusive, with Vieira’s attempt from 20 yards, using his weaker right foot, soaring over the crossbar.
The breakthrough seemed imminent when Gabriel Martinelli expertly netted a goal after an assist from Fabio Vieira. However, the joy was short-lived as VAR intervened, ruling Eddie Nketiah offside in the build-up. Although replays showed a marginal offside position by Nketiah when the ball was played, the touch that deflected it into his path was deemed ‘unintentional,’ keeping the score level.
Arsenal’s misfortune compounded as Martinelli sustained an injury moments after the disallowed goal, forcing Leandro Trossard to step in as his replacement.
In the second half, Arsenal resumed with renewed vigor, posing threats through Jarrad Branthwaite’s interception, preventing an easy Nketiah tap-in, and Martin Odegaard’s powerful shot, saved by Jordan Pickford.
READ MORE: The reason why Aaron Ramsdale has been dropped for the trip to Goodison Park
Sustained pressure from Arsenal paid off when a brilliant team move culminated in Trossard’s exquisite left-footed finish from a Saka cutback, breaking Everton’s resilience and giving Arsenal a 1-0 lead.
Although Odegaard had an opportunity to extend the lead moments later, Pickford thwarted his central effort. Vitaliy Mykolenko also came to Everton’s rescue, blocking Vieira’s goal-bound strike.
As Everton pressed for an equalizer, Arsenal’s defense, led by Saliba and Gabriel, adeptly handled second-half substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin, limiting Everton’s attacking opportunities to set pieces and scrappy moments.
While the match wasn’t always aesthetically pleasing, Arsenal’s well-deserved victory ended their six-year winless streak at Goodison Park. Trossard’s moment of brilliance proved decisive in securing three valuable points for the Gunners.
The victory solidifies Arsenal’s position as a strong contender in the Premier League, as they aim to maintain their impressive form in the upcoming fixtures.
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