Pain in the Arsenal
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3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory

By Harry Dowsett

Arsenal's Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard is embraced by Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 17, 2023. Arsenal won the game 1-0. (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. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Belgian midfielder #19 Leandro Trossard is embraced by Arsenal's Spanish manager Mikel Arteta on the pitch after the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north west England on September 17, 2023. Arsenal won the game 1-0. (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. / (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal sealed a narrow 1-0 victory against Everton thanks to a superb Leandro Trossard strike which secured a rare win at Goodison Park. 

It was a game that Mikel Arteta’s side dominated throughout, in part due to the incredibly uninspiring tactics adopted by the home side. There was only one side trying to win this game, and it was Arsenal.

It appeared as though Gabriel Martinelli had put the visitors ahead in the first half, only for the 22-year-old to see his goal ruled out for a dubious offside calling.

However, the Gunners did eventually find the goal they were looking for, in the form of a sublime Trossard strike after a well-worked corner routine by the north London club. That goal was enough to secure the three points which ensured the Gunners remained in touching distance of reigning champions Manchester City. Here are three positives and negatives from the game…

3 positives and negatives from Goodison Park victory

Positive #1: Debut for David Raya

Whether you agree with the signing of David Raya or not, a debut for a new acquisition is always a good thing, especially when that signing is a goalkeeper who also keeps a clean sheet.

Raya’s calming presence and excellent distribution were apparent throughout the match and were perhaps a key factor in why the notoriously hostile crowd at Goodison Park did not get the better of the team.

It is still early days in the Spaniard’s Arsenal career, and in truth, Everton’s negative approach to the game meant that he was never truly tested, but it was a positive first display from the 28-year-old.

Negative #1: Gabriel Martinelli injury

A bigger blow than his ‘goal’ being ruled out for offside was the fact that Martinelli was also forced off the pitch injured just moments after.

Speaking after the game, Arteta gave very little away regarding the injury but did have this to say:

"“He felt it after the action for the run on the goal, and normally he’s not one of the players to have muscular issues, but he had to come off, so let’s see.”"

The Brazilian’s ability to beat his full-back and drive into the opposition’s box is a huge asset to the side and we are a far weaker side without the 22-year-old.

Continued on the next slide…

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