Premier League: Arsenal held to a frustrating draw by Everton at Goodison Park

IANS April 6, 2025 138 views

Arsenal's epic journey at Goodison Park ended with a dramatic 1-1 draw against Everton, marking their final league visit to the historic stadium. Leandro Trossard's first-half goal was cancelled out by a controversial penalty awarded to Iliman Ndiaye early in the second half. The result maintained Arsenal's impressive unbeaten run in the league, stretching to 11 matches. With the UEFA Champions League clash against Real Madrid looming, the Gunners will take mixed emotions from this significant match.

"We fought hard but couldn't secure the win" - Mikel Arteta (implied)
Liverpool, April 5: Arsenal were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw in their final trip to Goodison Park on Saturday, as a controversial penalty allowed Everton to steal a point from the Gunners. Despite taking a 1-0 lead into half-time through Leandro Trossard's strike, the Gunners were pegged back just after the restart when Iliman Ndiaye converted from the spot.

Key Points

1

Arsenal lead through Trossard but penalty levels score

2

Final league match at historic Goodison Park

3

Unbeaten run extends to 11 matches

4

Dramatic draw before Real Madrid clash

Arsenal's first real chance came 33 minutes into the match when Raheem Sterling's pace saw him break through the Everton defence and find Trossard, who slotted a low shot past Jordan Pickford to score in successive seasons at Goodison. It could have been 2-0 in first-half stoppage time, but Trossard's effort was denied by Pickford, and Declan Rice's rebound was blocked by a defender.

Arsenal introduced the fit-again duo Gabriel Martinelli and Bukayo Saka off the bench for the second period. Just minutes after the restart, Myles Lewis-Skelly was adjudged to have fouled Jack Harrison in the box, with the referee awarding a penalty after a lengthy delay. Ndiaye stepped up to coolly send David Raya the wrong way and level the score.

Despite some moments of promise, including a powerful free-kick from Rice and a late effort from Gabriel Martinelli that Pickford brilliantly saved, Arsenal couldn't find a winner. Martinelli's shot was pushed over the bar by the Everton keeper, and a header from Mikel Merino went narrowly wide.

In the end, Arsenal's unbeaten league run stretched to 11 matches, but the result left them with mixed feelings as they now turn their attention to their upcoming clash with Real Madrid in Europe. The draw marked the 113th and final league visit to Goodison Park for the Gunners.

Reader Comments

J
James P.
That penalty call was so soft! 🤦‍♂️ Arsenal dominated most of the game and deserved all 3 points. VAR really needs to be more consistent with these decisions. Still proud of the unbeaten run though!
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Sarah K.
Pickford was unreal today - that save against Martinelli was world class. Sometimes you just have to tip your hat to the opposition keeper. On to the next one! 🔴⚪
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Mohammed A.
Respectfully, Arteta got the subs wrong today. Should've brought on Saka earlier when we were on top. Everton always makes it tough at Goodison though - historic ground will be missed.
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Emma T.
Mixed feelings about this one. Trossard was brilliant but we lost control in midfield after halftime. Need to be more clinical in front of goal before the Madrid game!
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Tom R.
Can we talk about how good Rice was today? That free kick nearly won it for us. Shame about the result but 11 unbeaten is still impressive 💪
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Lisa M.
Emotional to see our last game at Goodison. So many memories there over the years. The atmosphere was electric today - proper Premier League football ⚽

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Tags:
Arsenal Premier League Everton Leandro Trossard Mikel Arteta Goodison Park
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