Everton vs Arsenal: Unai Emery’s top-four hopes unravel as Phil Jagielka bags early winner
Relive all of the action from Goodison Park
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
Arsenal‘s hopes of a top-four finish in the Premier League were dented on Sunday as Everton captain Phil Jagielka took advantage of an unexpected late recall to score the winner in a dominant 1-0 victory at Goodison Park.
The veteran defender, who was brought into the team for a rare appearance after Michael Keane had to withdraw in the warm-up through illness, scored after 10 minutes to earn his side a well-deserved third straight league win.
It marked a significant setback for disappointing Arsenal, who remain fourth in the table but missed an opportunity to leap ahead of their third-placed north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.
Unai Emery’s side stay on 63 points, one behind Spurs, level with fifth-placed Chelsea and two clear of Manchester United in an increasingly tight battle for the Champions League berths.
Relive all the action below.
Please allow a moment for the blog to load.
Good afternoon and welcome to our live coverage of Everton vs Arsenal in the Premier League.
It's an unchanged team for Everton, who go with the same side that beat West Ham so comfortably last weekend.
Arsenal, meanwhile, make two changes. Mohamed Elneny comes in for Aaron Ramsey, who picked up an injury in the win against Newcastle, and Henrikh Mkhitaryan is in for Alex Iwobi.
Arsenal, having played one game fewer than their rivals, can cement their place in the top four with a victory today. Unai Emery's side will leapfrog Tottenham into third and sit three points clear of fifth-placed Chelsea if they leave Goodison Park with three points.
It will not be an easy task, though. Everton, despite their inconsistency this season, are in resurgent form. Marco Silva's side have won their last two in the Premier League and looked impressive as they swept West Ham aside at the London Stadium a week ago.
Arsenal will be aware, too, that their away form remains questionable. They will need to be at their best to get the better of an improving Everton team.
Arsenal's record against today's opposition might encourage the travelling supporters. The Gunners tend to do well against Everton, and haven't lost to them since a 2-1 defeat in 2016.
Mesut Ozil makes his fifth consecutive start for Arsenal today, so he appears to have forced his way back into Unai Emery's plans. This is his first appearance away from home since Boxing Day, though, and today will be a test for the German.
Everton have been forced into a last minute change: Michael Keane has been taken ill, so Phil Jagielka will replace him.
The teams are out at Goodison Park! Kick off is just a couple of minutes away...
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
3 minutes
Arsenal almost take the lead immediately. Mkhitaryan wins the ball in midfield with Jagielka out of position. He plays Lacazette through, and the Frenchman looks for Mesut Ozil at the back post. His cut back is scrambled behind for a corner, which Everton clear.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments