Arsenal faced Everton in a Premier League match that saw Jurrien Timber forced off with an injury. The game included moments of contention, with penalty appeals and free kicks shaping the flow of play.
Timber’s Injury Forces Early Substitution
A significant moment occurred when Jurrien Timber had to be substituted due to injury. Mikel Arteta brought on Cristhian Mosquera in his place. Saka went on a slalom and very nearly got a cut-back in.
Arsenal’s Free Kick Opportunities
Saka, appearing to return to form, won a free kick 25 yards out. Rice took the free kick, but couldn’t get it over the wall. Havertz later won a free kick, prompting debate.
Everton’s Attacks and Defensive Efforts
Everton had their own opportunities, including a free kick 35 yards out that Raya came for, scuffing his attempted punch. Saliba was caught, possibly by Raya, resulting in friendly fire. Calafiori got a flick-on from a corner, and Everton managed to keep it out, with Keane heading away.
Dewsbury-Hall shaped to dance through the midfield before being outnumbered. There have been three shots in the past 14 minutes, and they’ve all come from Everton. Arsenal did get into the box, with Rice, but Garner timed his tackle just well enough.
Ndiaye delivered a good cross, but nobody was there to meet it. Another shot from Everton, well struck by Dewsbury-Hall, was comfortably saved by Raya.
Penalty Appeals and VAR Check
Eze slipped a through ball to Havertz, who went down as Keane attended to him. The crowd bayed for a penalty, but the ref wasn’t interested, and the VAR agreed. Havertz won a corner. Alan Smith said it was a foul all day long as the Keane-Havertz incident was replayed. Saka’s corner found the head of Calafiori, but the whistle had already gone for an Everton free kick.
Closing Stages of the First Half
Arsenal added another three to their collection of shots; two were blocked, and one blazed into Row Z. Arsenal proceed smoothly through midfield with some well-aimed headers and eventually win a corner. Zubimendi almost carved out enough room to shoot. Saliba tried a through ball to Saka but overhit it, showing why Arsenal need Timber.
Mykolenko lofted a hopeful ball towards Beto, who can’t shake off the attentions of Gabriel.