Arsenal took yet another huge step towards Premier League glory last night after securing a vital 2-0 win over Everton at the Emirates, but it was far from a convincing display.
Mikel Arteta’s men were unable to break the deadlock until the 89th minute, with David Moyes’ side massively frustrating the Gunners during the clash in North London.
Viktor Gyokeres’ tap-in from Piero Hincapie’s pass across goal handed Arteta’s men a needed one-goal lead, but the goals didn’t end there despite the late strike.
Fellow substitute Max Dowman secured all three points for the Gunners, after managing to fire home into an empty net after Jordan Pickford was sent forward for a late corner.
The three points will no doubt be the most pleasing aspect of the game for Arteta, with the Spaniard having his two substitutes to thank for securing yet another triumph.
The impact of Gyokeres & Dowman off the bench against Everton
As previously mentioned, centre forward Gyokeres was forced to settle for a place on the substitutes bench against Everton, with Arsenal boss Arteta opting to start with Kai Havertz instead.
However, his goal off the bench will no doubt have handed the manager yet another selection dilemma, with his effort keeping the Gunners’ title hopes in their own hands.
The Swedish international also managed to win 100% of the ground duels he entered, whilst also being fouled once – subsequently offering a more physical option at the top end of the pitch.
Gyokeres wasn’t the only player to make an impact off the bench, with teenager Dowman creating new history with his first Premier League goal for the club.
The 16-year-old has now become the club’s youngest ever goalscorer in England’s top-flight, breaking the record previously held by midfielder Cesc Fàbregas.
However, away from his goal, the teenager was a constant threat throughout, even contributing with the cross that led to Hincapie teeing up Gyokeres for the opener.
Dowman also completed the most dribbles of any player on the pitch (2), whilst completing 92% of the passes he attempted and drawing two fouls from the opposition.
The Arsenal star who was saved by Gyokeres & Dowman
Whilst the 2-0 scoreline could reflect a good day at the office for Arsenal, it certainly wasn’t a comfortable performance, with Arteta certainly going to be frustrated with his side.
The Gunners were made to work hard for the three points on home soil, as Moyes’ men pushed the side all the way to the latter stages before breaking the deadlock.
Questions will no doubt be asked of the likes of Havertz, especially after failing to produce the goods after the faith shown in him by the manager to lead the line.
Gyokeres’ goal will potentially catapult him back into the starting eleven next week at the German’s expense, with the club still struggling to find a continuous number nine.
However, other areas of the squad will certainly be brought into question, with winger Bukayo Saka once again failing to deliver off the right-hand side of the attack.
The Englishman, who wore the captain’s armband, once again failed to catch the eye for the right reasons, subsequently failing to get himself on the scoresheet.
The 24-year-old has now scored just twice in his last 10 matches across all competitions, with the attacker falling way below the standards he’s set for himself in recent years.
His underlying stats further demonstrate his struggles at the Emirates last night, with Dowman arguably becoming a better attacking option at present.
Saka, who featured for the full 90 minutes, registered four shots on goal during the victory, but was only able to direct one of his efforts on Pickford’s goal.
He also only managed to complete 79% of the 43 passes he attempted in North London, resulting in the attacker gifting possession away on 20 separate occasions.
The aforementioned tally was the highest of any player who started for Arteta’s side – which further reaffirms the struggles he endured once again against the Toffees.
Saka also only managed to complete one dribble during his display at the Emirates, with teenage sensation Dowman managing more despite playing for 74 minutes fewer.
The Englishman was largely dominated by the visitors too, subsequently losing 60% of the duels he entered and falling way below the expectations placed upon him.
There’s no denying Saka has been a shadow of his former self in recent months, with the fans now growing frustrated with the Englishman’s lack of impact in the final third.
Dowman’s showing against the Toffees will certainly give the manager food for thought ahead of the Champions League clash with Bayer Leverkusen next week.
However, Saka will certainly be lucky to be included once again, with Arteta desperately needing to drop the attacker from his starting eleven after his latest dismal showing.