Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal Vs Everton: 5 things we learned – Mikel Arteta brilliance

By Andrew Dowdeswell

LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images) /
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LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC celebrate after scoring 1st goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC celebrate after scoring 1st goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images) /

4. Young Guns continue to shine

Arsenal’s season has been defined by the positive performances of their young players. From Matteo Guendouzi establishing himself in central midfield to Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles forcing their way into the starting XI, the Gunners’ young talents have been the glittering storyline of the season. And the same was true again here.

18-year-old Bukayo Saka and 20-year-old Eddie Nketiah combined for a brilliant equalising goal. Saka, who was introduced after Sead Kolasinac went off injured early on, delivered a wonderful bending cross from the left flank. Nketiah had drifted between the Everton centre-backs, waited patiently for the ball to come into the area and deftly opened his instep out to volley into the far corner.

It was a lovely goal, a clear illustration of the talent the pair share. But while Saka struggled in the second half, clearly looking leggy after playing two games already this week, Nketiah produced a complete striking display. His hold-up play was solid, he pressed excellently, worked hard, hit the crossbar with a lovely shaped effort late on, and nabbed the goal, a knack that he has shown time and again. The young Guns are firing once more.