Everton boss Carlo Ancelotti said the Toffees “are back” after a howler from Arsenal’s Bernd Leno gifted his side a crucial win in their bid for a Champions League place.
The Merseysiders had failed to win in six games in all competitions but moved to within three points of the top four with a victory which was achieved amid a backdrop of protest.
Over 1,000 Arsenal supporters gathered outside Emirates Stadium to show their anger about owner Stan Kroenke’s role in the failed European Super League.
The goal came when Everton forward Richarlison tried to roll a pass across the six-yard box. Leno should have scooped it up, but the ball slipped through the Arsenal keeper’s hands, hitting his leg on the way in.
That was a rare moment of goalmouth action on the night as Everton won at Arsenal in the league for the first time since 1996.
Gylfi Sigurdsson came closest before that when his 30-yard free-kick hit the bar.
“It was really important to stay attached to the top of the table,” Ancelotti told BBC Sport. “The performance was good. It’s all good news tonight and this gives us confidence for the next games.
“Finally I can say we are back.”
Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the second half after Richarlison nicked Dani Ceballos – but it was overturned by the video assistant referee for an offside in the build-up.
Gabriel Martinelli almost saved Arsenal in injury time but Jordan Pickford kept out his shot.
Leno also came up for a late corner but could not make amends for his costly error.
Everton’s win against the team just below them in the table comes at an absolutely key time.
The Toffees had failed to win in their past six games in all competitions, removing any real room for error as they push for a Champions League place.
This win keeps them eighth in the league but they are now within three points of Chelsea and West Ham, who are fourth and fifth respectively and play each other on Saturday.
They only had one chance on target at Emirates Stadium – although their goal did not come from it.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin went close on his return from injury in the second minute but headed wide.
Richarlison forced a low save from Leno, with Calvert-Lewin inches away from getting to the rebound.
Sigurdsson’s fantastic free-kick off the top of the bar looked like it was going to be their best effort until Richarlison’s low ball somehow slipped through Leno’s grasp. A VAR check confirmed the Brazilian – who got past Granit Xhaka easily in the build-up – was onside.
Arsenal distracted by protests or Europe?
Arsenal’s chances of qualifying for next season’s Champions League now rely on winning this year’s Europa League – they sit nine points behind the European places in the Premier League, while the first leg of their Europa League semi-final is at Villarreal on Thursday.
They were without forwards Alexandre Lacazette and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang because of injury and illness on Friday night and had to arrive at the ground early to avoid the protests.
Boss Mikel Arteta said: “We need to go through the disappointment and focus our energy. The semi-final is more than crucial for us. I don’t want to use any excuses, I understand the protests.”
They played some nice football against Everton but did not fashion many clear-cut chances.
Bukayo Saka shot straight at Jordan Pickford and the Everton keeper kept out Dani Ceballos’ 20-yard drive.
They thought they had a penalty when Ceballos was felled but Pepe’s arm was offside in the build-up so it was overturned.
Even after Leno’s moment to forget they had a chance to rescue a late point – as they had done against Fulham in their previous game – but substitute Martinelli was denied by Pickford.
“On the pitch performance-wise we were the better team, we controlled the game and we had some opportunities and openings. We had a clear penalty that was disallowed somehow and then we score an own goal,” Arteta said.
“The penalty is clear, those decisions have been made after, I don’t know how or who by, we cannot see their faces to explain it. It’s the second time in two weeks.
“I can see the images 20 times and I don’t get it.”
What’s next?
Arsenal visit Villarreal on Thursday in the Europa League semi-final first leg and go to Newcastle in the Premier League on Sunday. Everton host Aston Villa the previous day.
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