Everton 2-1 Arsenal: 4 talking points from Goodison horror show

Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta reacts as he leaves after the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on December 6, 2021. - Everton won the game 2-1. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /

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LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND – DECEMBER 06: Richarlison of Everton ans Kieran Tierney of Arsenal battle for the ball during the Premier League match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park on December 06, 2021 in Liverpool, England. (Photo by Chloe Knott – Danehouse/Getty Images) /

2. Granit Xhaka and Tierney’s Returns Are Serviceable

Both made the return to the starting side against Everton and, in fairness, made a decent fist of it. For Tierney, he was Arsenal’s most dangerous attacking outlet and provided the assist for Martin Odegaard’s goal in the first half.

Clearly lacking sharpness, he nonetheless continued whipping in dangerous deliveries and was the best attacking outlet for the Gunners on the night.

One can presume he was taken off due to his lack of game time, but he still had time to show what he can do going forward.

As for Xhaka, his return was serviceable, at least for someone returning one month ahead of schedule. One visibly noticeable trait was attempts to progress the ball, mainly in the second half. He was always looking for a decisive pass to get the team moving forward.

The Swiss made several well-needed interceptions on the night as he partnered with Thomas Partey in the heart of the midfield, including several tackles to win the ball back. However, he was clearly dead on his feet after around 60 minutes and keeping him on the pitch was another foolish mistake by the manager.

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