3 positives & negatives from Goodison Park victory

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.

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Positive #2: A win at Goodison Park – finally

We headed into this fixture having failed to record a victory away at Everton in our last five attempts, with our most recent defeat coming in Sean Dyche’s first game as Toffees manager last season.

Therefore, securing the three points in this match, despite the fact we were still some way off our best, is a huge boost for the squad.

Regardless of their current form, Goodison Park is never an easy ground to travel to, as shown by our poor record, and it is yet another demonstration of the mentality shift that is occurring at the club under Arteta’s guidance.

Negative #2: Failed to kill the game off

As much as I have said that the win was an impressive one, which it was, that does not necessarily mean that it was accompanied by an impressive performance. In fact, our inability to kill games off while we are on top is beginning to become a real cause of concern in my opinion.

It could have cost us dearly against both Nottingham Forest and Crystal Palace, did cost us points against a ten-man Fulham and could’ve cost us yet more points in this match against Everton.

Of our four victories this season, three have been by a singular goal, highlighting the fact that we are yet to fully click into gear in front of goal. Our attacking flair was a huge factor in our success last term, but as of now, we are yet to see that in this campaign.

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Positive #3: Strength in depth

Another positive from the match was that our strength in depth once again manifested in abundance. As mentioned above, Martinelli’s injury is a massive blow, however, its effect is lessened when his replacement is Trossard, who proved to be the match-winner.

In goal, as discussed, Raya was brought in for Aaron Ramsdale, who joined the likes of Jorginho, Gabriel Jesus and summer signing Kai Havertz on the bench.

Speaking on our depth and rotation within the squad, Arteta had this to say:

"“No-one is guaranteed a spot, I don’t guarantee it. You are here to perform at the highest level and to contribute with our best capacity to win games, and that’s what we have to do. It’s not different for anybody and we set ourselves those standards, whatever happens externally, it’s never going to be bigger than that. That’s the end that we have.”"

If we are to go one further than our second-placed Premier League finish last season, our squad depth and competition for places will be a huge reason why.

Negative #3: Moment of sloppiness

This is perhaps harsh as the very few moments of sloppiness from the players during the match ultimately did no harm.

However, with that being said, players such as Gabriel Magalhaes, Benjamin White, Oleksandr Zinchenko and, at times, Declan Rice were all guilty of conceding possession far too easily.

Against a side with almost no interest in attacking, such is the way the Toffees approached this game, you can usually afford to make those mistakes without being punished. However, were we playing stronger opposition, such as PSV Eindhoven in our upcoming Champions League clash or Tottenham Hotspur in the highly-anticipated North London Derby at the weekend, those mistakes may have been punished.