Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno’s own goal decided the fate of the match.
Follow Us
Everton boosted its Champions League qualification chances with a 1-0 win at Arsenal on Friday night. Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno scored an own-goal to decide the fate of the match. The defeat adds misery to Arsenal’s Champions League qualification hopes via the Premier League. The match was marred by protests from Arsenal supporters outside the stadium against the clubs attempt to join the breakaway European Super League. Everton goalkeeper made some crucial saves to secure the three points for the Toffees.
Midfielder Allen found Richarlison with a long ball down the right flank. The Brazilian beat Granit Xhaka to get inside the box and deliver a low cross at the near post. Arsenal custodian spilled the ball through his legs to give 1-0 lead to the visitors.
Referee Jonathan Moss pointed to the spot in the 52nd minute after he saw a foul on Dani Ceballos by Richarlison. But, Arsenal were denied the penalty after the VAR intervention found Nicolas Pepe to be offside in the buildup.
Arsenal came close to scoring in the 64th minute. Bukayo Saka’s free-kick from the left flank found an unmarked Calum Chambers, but his shot bounced off the pitch to go over the crossbar.
Mikel Arteta’s side pushed hard for the equalizer and substitute Gabriel Martinelli’s low shot was well saved by Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford at the near post.
Arsenal started the game positively and controlled the game in the initial stages, but Everton slowly settled in and then forced a few decent saves from Leno. Allen’s through ball found Richarlison’s run and the Everton number.7 cut inside with his right foot to make space for a shot and his left footed shot was denied by Leno’s diving save to his right.
Gylfi Sigurdsson hit the crossbar with a 20-yard free-kick in the 39th minute.
The win takes Carlo Ancelotti’s side to 52 points from 32 games, one point behind seventh placed Liverpool and three points behind fourth placed Chelsea. Arsenals chances of qualifying for Champions League via Premier League looks bleak, as the Gunners are placed ninth in the points table with 46 points from 33 games. Only the top four teams at the end of the season qualify for next season’s Champions League.
Arsenal will be looking to concentrate on their Europa League semi-final first leg clash against Villarreal on April 29th. Europa League winner gets a direct qualification to next year’s UEFA Champions League.
