Everton vs Arsenal LIVE: Premier League result and final score as James Tarkowski stuns title favourites
Everton 1-0 Arsenal: Sean Dyche leads Everton to victory as Tarkowski’s goal lifts Toffees out of relegation zone against Premier League leaders
Everton leant heavily on their Burnley connection for a first win since October as Sean Dyche’s reign as manager got off to the perfect start with a 1-0 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal.
The ex-Clarets boss insisted he did not have any “magic dust” to sprinkle on a struggling squad - the only one not to be strengthened by a January signing - but the effect he had was immediate as another former resident of Turf Moor James Tarkowski headed the winner on the hour.
It was the centre-back’s first goal since joining from Burnley on a free in the summer - and his first since the opening day of last season - and ended a run of no wins in 10 matches in all competitions.
The great escape is most definitely on for Everton, who by virtue of their lunchtime kick-off, briefly moved out of the relegation zone with hope springing eternal at Goodison after 12 miserable months under previous manager Frank Lampard.
Defeat was Arsenal’s first since September, and only their second in the league, and opened the door for Manchester City to close the five-point gap at Tottenham on Sunday.
Relive all the action after Everton stunned Arsenal in the Premier League:
Everton savour Sean Dyche effect to stun Premier League leaders Arsenal
The only Premier League club not to make a signing in the transfer window may have done some excellent business in January after all. This was the Sean Dyche effect, an auspicious introduction for the new manager, a wonderful start to his rescue mission. Perhaps Everton are not doomed after all. Perhaps Arsenal, after amassing 50 points in the first half of the season, will not cruise to the title.
Because, after eight defeats in nine games, Everton got a first victory since October. After their longest run of losses at Goodison Park since the 1950s, they beat the league leaders. After the protests against the board came the backing for the team. Appointed on Monday, Dyche had his first win on Saturday. Even by Everton’s standards, it has been a remarkable week.
Match report by Richard Jolly at Goodison Park
Everton savour Sean Dyche effect to stun Premier League leaders Arsenal
Everton 1-0 Arsenal: James Tarkowski’s second-half header lifted the Toffees out of the relegation zone as Arsenal suffered their first Premier League defeat since September
FULL TIME! Everton 1-0 Arsenal
Tarkowski to BT Sport: “It’s been tough, we haven’t had an atmosphere like this in some time.”
FULL TIME! Everton 1-0 Arsenal
Zinchenko is dragged off the pitch by Arteta.
What an atmosphere at Goodison.
FULL TIME! Everton 1-0 Arsenal
Everton are out of the botttom three after a famous win over the Premier League leaders! What a debut for Sean Dyche! A priceless win for Everton, but a damaging defeat in the title race!
Everton 1-0 Arsenal
90+5 mins: Tomiyasu fouls Maupay - Everton are almost there.
Everton 1-0 Arsenal
90+4 mins: It’s all kicking off! Zinchenko lunges at Maupay!
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