Mikel Arteta

Trossard’s Brilliance Ends Arsenal’s Goodison Drought in Victory Over Everton

18 September, 2023

In a tightly contested battle at Goodison Park, Arsenal managed to break their curse and secure a long-awaited victory over Everton. Leandro Trossard emerged as the hero, netting the solitary goal of the match, while Mikel Arteta’s men continued their unbeaten streak in the early stages of the season.

The defining moment arrived in the 69th minute when Trossard, an early substitute for the injured Gabriel Martinelli, showcased his brilliance with a clinical finish. It was a game with limited scoring opportunities, and Trossard’s strike proved to be the difference-maker that allowed Arteta to savor a triumphant return to his former club. Follow your favourite Premier League team with attractive football betting odds from Nextbet. 

Arteta made significant changes to his lineup, granting goalkeeper David Raya his Arsenal debut, and the Spaniard marked the occasion with a clean sheet. The first half was relatively quiet, with Arsenal enjoying possession but struggling to create clear-cut chances.

The most significant incident of the first half came in the 19th minute when Gabriel Martinelli appeared to have given Arsenal the lead. However, VAR ruled the goal out for offside, determining that despite the ball deflecting off an Everton player, Eddie Nketiah was in an offside position.

Misfortune continued to plague Martinelli as he limped off with an injury shortly afterward, making way for Trossard. The remainder of the half passed with minimal drama, with both goalkeepers having little to do.

The second half began with more intensity, as Arsenal sought to break the deadlock. Martin Odegaard and others tested Jordan Pickford’s goal, but Everton’s defense held firm. It appeared to be another frustrating outing on Merseyside for Arsenal until the 69th minute.

A well-worked corner routine didn’t quite come off, but the ball found its way to Odegaard, who set up Bukayo Saka. Saka’s precise cutback found Trossard, who displayed exquisite technique with a first-time finish that left Pickford with no chance.

Arsenal continued to press for a second goal, with Odegaard and Fabio Vieira coming close, but Everton’s Vitaliy Mykolenko made a crucial block to keep the scoreline at 1-0. The Gunners remained in control, rarely troubled by their opponents, as they secured their first win at Goodison Park since 2017 and their 12th clean sheet on the road in the Premier League since the previous season.

This victory sets the stage for an exciting week for Arsenal. Their long-awaited return to the Champions League awaits as they host PSV Eindhoven at Emirates Stadium on Wednesday. Additionally, the highly anticipated north London derby against Tottenham Hotspur looms on the horizon, promising a thrilling encounter as Arsenal seek to maintain their unbeaten start to the season. Get the latest updates from the Premier League only on Nextbet Sports.