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Premier League leaders Arsenal suffer second defeat of the season to Everton as Dyche reign beginsThe defeat left Arsenal with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who visit Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
Reuters
Last Updated IST
Everton's James Tarkowski scores past Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale. Credit: Reuters Photo
Everton's James Tarkowski scores past Arsenal's Aaron Ramsdale. Credit: Reuters Photo

New Everton boss Sean Dyche's reign began with a shock 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal as James Tarkowski's second-half header saw the Toffees win their first game since October and move out of the relegation zone on Saturday.

The defeat left Arsenal with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who visit Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.

Everton looked a much-improved unit in Dyche's first game in charge after replacing Frank Lampard and they troubled Arsenal throughout, coming close to opening the scoring in the first half through Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure.

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Tarkowski finally broke the deadlock for the hosts on the hour mark with a powerful header from a corner by fellow former Burnley man Dwight McNeil which flew past Aaron Ramsdale.

Arsenal did pose problems, with Bukayo Saka forcing a goal-line clearance from Tarkowski after a volley in the first half and Eddie Nketiah blasting an effort over from close range.

Deadline day signing Jorginho made his Gunners debut a minute before Everton's goal but could not do enough to change his side's fortunes.

Everton, who had only been separated from bottom spot by goal difference, are now 17th, a point above the drop zone.

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(Published 04 February 2023, 20:23 IST)