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Premier League
Aug 23, 2014 at 5.30pm UK
 
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2-2

Coleman (19'), Naismith (45')
FT(HT: 2-0)
Ramsey (83'), Giroud (90')

Match Analysis: Everton 2-2 Arsenal

:Headline: Match Analysis: Everton 2-2 Arsenal: ID:172809: from db_amp
Sports Mole dissects the action as Arsenal come from two goals behind to draw 2-2 with Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.

Arsenal came from 2-0 behind to pick up a 2-2 draw at Everton in the Premier League this evening.

Goals from Seamus Coleman and Steven Naismith had handed the home side a two-goal half-time lead.

However, Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud both scored late to secure a share of the spoils for the Gunners.

Here, Sports Mole dissects the 90 minutes of action on Merseyside.

Match statistics

Everton
Shots: 8
On target: 2
Possession: 46%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 10

Arsenal
Shots: 13
On target: 3
Possession: 54%
Corners: 3
Fouls: 18

Was the result fair?

The manner in which Everton conceded the equaliser will be difficult for Roberto Martinez to take, but even the most ardent of Toffees supporter would find it difficult to argue that their side deserved to win the match. The home team were slightly fortunate to enter the break with a 2-0 lead, but that said, Arsenal were really disappointing in the opening half. The Gunners improved as the second half progressed, and with Everton continually dropping into a deep position, the capital outfit were given serious signs of encouragement. Both of Arsenal's goals were avoidable for the home side, with each effort originating from a wide area. On the balance of play, a score draw is just about a fair reflection of the events that occurred at Goodison Park.

Everton's performance

Despite leading 2-0 at the break, Everton were not particularly impressive in the first period. They took the lead with their first real chance of the match, while their second was controversial, with Naismith converting from a seemingly offside position. The Toffees also struggled for invention in the second 45 minutes, with full-backs Coleman and Leighton Baines their main outlets for long spells. Romelu Lukaku played a part in the second goal, but struggled overall, while the home side's midfield also became increasingly leggy in the latter stages. It was almost as if they were holding on from the 60-minute mark, which was a dangerous game to play against Arsenal. Had Martinez's side taken more care in the final third, they might have scored their third and wrapped up all three points in the process. A point against Arsenal is not the worst result in the world, but it will feel like a defeat after conceding twice late on.

Arsenal's performance

To be blunt, Arsenal were really poor in the first period at Goodison. There was a serious lack of invention despite their midfield talent, while they also looked extremely shaky defensively, with Per Mertesacker and Calum Chambers struggling at the heart of the back four. Stern words were surely exchanged at the interval and the Gunners returned a different team. They should have scored moments into the second period through Giroud, but the Frenchman fired high and wide of the crossbar. The London outfit continued to play the better football as the match developed and always looked capable of putting something together in the final third. Ramsey was in the right place at the right time for their first, before Giroud outmuscled Sylvain Distin for the equaliser. Head coach Arsene Wenger still has much to ponder, but the FA Cup winners did show good character to respond from a difficult position at a difficult ground.

Sports Mole's man of the match

Gareth Barry: Barry might have been deemed surplus to requirements at Manchester City and indeed with England, but the midfielder continues to produce performances for Everton. He is not the quickest around the field - and never was - but the former Aston Villa man has such awareness of the game. While others around him became untidy in possession, especially in the second period, Barry remained the calmest man in the stadium. The veteran must also be credited for protecting his back four for long periods of the contest.

Biggest gaffe

There are a number of incidents that could be placed into this category, but the one that stands out proved to be the most vital moment of the match. When Nacho Monreal picked up possession in a wide area for Arsenal, Giroud had managed to split the two Everton centre-backs. As a result, Phil Jagielka found himself under the Spaniard's cross and Distin could not muscle the Arsenal forward off the ball. Within a flash, Giroud had buried his header and the points were to be shared. Jageilka and Distin are certainly one of the best partnerships in the league, but they both made errors late on.

Referee performance

Kevin Friend had a busy afternoon on Merseyside - issuing five yellow cards in what was an untidy match in terms of late challenges. Arsenal will be unhappy with Friend's decision to award Everton's second, with Naismith in an offside position and Lukaku appearing to foul Mertesacker in the build-up. All in all, Friend did well under the circumstances, but there were a couple of decisions that he might have got wrong.

What next?

Everton: It does not get any easier for Everton as the Toffees welcome Chelsea to Goodison Park next weekend.

Arsenal: The Gunners will welcome Besiktas to the Emirates on Wednesday for the second leg of their Champions League playoff, before facing Leicester City in the league next Sunday.

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