Arsene Wenger’s team lost ground on leaders Chelsea after succumbing to a 2-1 defeat at the hand of Ronald Koeman’s Everton at Goodison Park on Tuesday. The loss could prove to be a costly one for the Gunners in the chase for the Premier League title. Arsenal took the lead in the first half when Alexis Sanchez opened the scoring in the 20th minute. A Phil Jagielka lounge on Francis Coquelin won Arsenal a free-kick just outside the Everton penalty area. Alexis Sanchez capitalized on the set piece opportunity and his low strike was a poor effort although Ashley Williams deflected the ball into his own net with goal-keeper Steklenburg wrong footed. It was the Chilean’s 12th Premier League goal of the season in 16 games despite coming off Williams’ foot last.
The Merseyside team looked to warm up to the occasion and Lukaku and Lennon were both guilty of not testing Petr Cech in the Arsenal goal. However the pressure paid off and Everton were finally rewarded when a delicious cross from Leighton Baines’ right foot met opposite full back Seamus Coleman’s head to level the scores just before half time.
Arsenal wasted a glorious opportunity to take the lead when Ozil lifted his shot over the goal after meeting Sanchez’ low cross. And the miss was costly.
Wenger brought on Alex Iwobi and Olivier Giroud in the final 20 minutes of play to look for a winning goal however it came in the form of centre-back Ashley Williams as he headed past Petr Cech in the last few minutes of the game with his first goal for Everton.
Williams also made a crucial goal-line clearance in which was probably the last chance of the match to ensure that the Toffees held on to all three points without having Phil Jagielka, who was sent off for a foul on Lucas Perez after receiving a second yellow card in the game.
Having been on a disappointing run of form, the Toffees has won just one game in ten matches before hosting Arsenal and their manager Ronald Koeman made quite a few changes to the side that faced Arsenal.
Aaron Lenon, Ross Barkley and Enner Valencia were recalled to the starting line up while Shkodran Mustafi missed the game due to a hamstring issue and he was replaced by Gabriel Paulista and Hector Bellerin started for Arsenal in the right back position.
Having conceding late on in both halves would have Arsene Wenger frustrated, even more they would now be six points behind Chelsea should the Blues continue their winning streak when they take on Sunderland tomorrow night.
Here is how the fans reacted on Twitter to the loss, trolling the Gunners once again:
Ozil and Xhaka were weak tonight? #EveVsArs #Arsenal #Gooner ⚽️⚽️⚽️ Not happy @Arsenal
— ?Miki York? (@TheRealMikiYork) December 13, 2016
What a game for the neutral!!! Was end to end throughout, that’s what the Premier League is all about! #EVEvsARS ⚽️
— Jack Reynolds (@JackReynolds88) December 13, 2016
Wenger who buy? I go sell am. Wish I could sell the dude right now.#EVEvsARS
— Chidiebere Onuorha (@Chidoxxy) December 13, 2016
3 mins to go and now he brings on Lucas. Retirement home and Pudding Sundays for you please Wanger. #EVEvsARS
— krys daddy (@krysdaddy) December 13, 2016
It’s impressive how Alexis can be useful, but when he chooses to be COMPLETELY USELESS he do it better than anyone #arsenal #EVEvsARS
— henrique (@baztylle) December 13, 2016
Sad we bottled it but we’ll rise to fight another day #COYG #WeMatchOn #EVEVSARS
— Ally Hassan (@MesutAlly10) December 13, 2016
And the gods of number 4 have woken up to Hunt arsenal.
Poor Wenger and his mouthy fans.#EVEvsARS— Seeker (@Jamlick1) December 13, 2016
Good intensity from both the team #EVEvsARS.congratulations Everton.should attempt more shots on target.@Arsenal. #coyg #arsenal
— pratik.s.telang (@pratik_king) December 13, 2016
One fan said exactly what I wanted to say as well:
It’s December. Has it started? ? #EVEvsARS
— Philosoper’s Gun (@_ShazL) December 14, 2016
Here is how Wenger probably might be looking after the loss:
#arsenal fans pic.twitter.com/vCfgdTvrca
— Baratis (@Baratiss) December 13, 2016
