Premier League: Arsenal suffer only 2nd loss of season as Sean Dyche begins Everton stint with big win

Arsenal missed out on a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table to 8 points after a shock defeat to relegation-threatened Everton.

In the league clash at Goodison Park on Saturday, February 4. Mikel Arteta’s league leaders were stunned 1-0 as James Tarkowski’s only goal sent the Toffees’ fans into a tizzy.

Sean Dyche began his stint as Everton manager in the best possible way as the win on Saturday helped the home team move out of the relegation zone, albeit by just a point. It was only the 4th win for Everton in the season and their first in the ongoing season since October. Everton sacked Frank Lampard as their manager and brought in Dyche and the English tactician would have been delighted with the heart and discipline his men showcased at Goodison Park.

Everton came close to opening the scoring in the first half through Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Tarkowski finally broke the deadlock to score his first goal for the hosts on the hour with a header from a corner by fellow ex-Burnley man Dwight McNeil which flew past Aaron Ramsdale.

Notably, this was Arsenal’s only second defeat in the ongoing Premier League season after their 3-1 loss at Manchester United in September.

It was also Gunner’s first defeat to a bottom 3 club since December 2020. Incidentally, it was against Burnley, who were coached at that time by Sean Dyche.

Manchester City, who take on Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, will have an opportunity to cut down Arsenal’s lead to just 2 points and return to the title race. Everton will only be hoping the win against the league leaders will give them the much-needed boost under new manager Dyche.

Arsenal, who were unbeaten in 13 games, before dropping 3 points at Goodison Park, looked a bit jaded and were unable to break through the defence of Everton. As many as 6 minutes were added in the end but Everton did well to keep Arsenal’s powerful frontline at bay.

Tarkowski said the win against the league leaders will, hopefully, be the turning point for Everton, who are at the 17th spot with a point more than Wolverhampton Wanderers, who have a game in hand.

“It has been tough for us and the fans and for all the staff in the club. Hopefully, this is the turning point for the club, there is a lot of talent here,” he told BT Sport.

“It’s taken me a while, I need to score more. What a great time to do it and a great day. It’s back to work on Monday and we crack on.

“We’ve lacked that little bit of grit at times and that’s what the fans want. We’ve seen what it’s all about today.”