Arsenal suffered just their second Premier League defeat of the season, falling 1-0 to Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Gunners had the chance to go eight points clear at the top of the league table with a win on Merseyside. However, it was the Toffees who looked the more lively throughout their encounter, spurred on by the arrival of new manager Sean Dyche.
Eventually, defender James Tarkowski netted the only goal of the game in what was a major blow to Mikel Arteta’s title hopes. With that being said, we’ve taken a look at how the national media reacted to the result.
READ MORE: Every word Mikel Arteta said on Everton defeat, bouncing back, discipline and title pressure
The Mirror made sure to highlight the influence of the arrival of the aforementioned Dyche in their breakdown. “The impact of the new-manager bounce was clear for all to see at Goodison Park throughout the first half.”
The former Burnley boss set his side up in a 451 midblock, suffocating Arsenal’s midfield and pressing aggressively from the front to get the Goodison crowd going. The Mirror’s piece also pointed out former Gunner Alex Iwobi’s impressive display.
“Alex Iwobi was a menace on the left wing, remarkably causing more issues for Benjamin White than Gabriel Martinelli did for veteran Seamus Coleman on the other flank.”
The Guardian noted Arsenal’s failure to create many meaningful chances, claiming that they must immediately bounce back when they host Brentford to the Emirates Stadium next week. “Arsenal dominated possession but there was a distinct lack of quality or precision with it.
“Their title challenge needs an instant reaction against Brentford next week.” The Gunners produced just three shots on target throughout, with the usually creative Martin Odegaard struggling to impose himself on the game.
Arsenal’s failure to play through the press was an issue, as per The Times, who also singled out Odegaard’s unusually quiet display. “Arsenal’s main issue is that, rushed by their opponents, they lacked the precision and ambition in their passing that has underpinned their success this season.
“Only Zinchenko seemed unaffected by Everton’s intensity: he kept gliding into those central spaces to take possession and begin the building of moves, but Arsenal’s main creative players — Odegaard especially — were quiet.”
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