An absolute howler from Arsenal goalkeeper Bernd Leno gifted Everton their first win away at Arsenal for 25 years and boosted their bid of finishing in a Champions League place, on a day when Gunners fans protested against the Arsenal owners outside the stadium.
Over 1,000 Arsenal supporters gathered outside Emirates Stadium to protest against Stan Kroenke’s role in the failed European Super League.
The goal came when Everton forward Richarlison beat Xhaka on the wing before attempting to roll the ball across goal the six-yard-box. For a goalkeeper of Leno’s quality, the German should have scooped up the cross, but instead the ball rolled through his legs and in to the Arsenal net.
That was a rare moment of goalmouth action on the night as Everton moved to within three points Chelsea who occupy the coveted fourth spot for Champions League qualification.
Gylfi Sigurdsson came closest before that when his free-kick from 30-yards out hit the cross bar.
Arsenal were awarded a penalty in the second half after Richarlison kicked Dani Ceballos in the area – but it was overturned by the video assistant referee for an offside in the build-up.
Martinelli had an effort well saved by Jordan Pickford in the closing stages but Arsenal could not find the equaliser they needed.
It is now seven home defeats for Arsenal this season, the most they’ve recorded since the Premier League started in 1990 and their first defeat in five games in all competitions. The result means they stay in ninth place, now six points from their opponents.
Their attentions will now be placed on their semi-final date with Villareal in the Europa League, with their only hopes of securing Champions League football for next season resting on their efforts in Europe.
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