EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB - News Archive

Everton 2-1 Arsenal

A Wayne Rooney wonder goal ensured Everton all 3 points aswell as ending Arsenal's record-breaking 30-match unbeaten Premiership.

The Gunners took the lead through an early goal, Arsenal superstar Freddie Ljungberg taking advantage from a mix up in the penalty area to steer the ball past ex-Arsenal keeper Richard Wright.

However, Everton refused to lie down and bravely fought back to gain a deserved equaliser.

Everton gave the champions all they could and it finally paid off. Lee Carsley's fierce right footed shot struck the post, the ball rebounded to Canadian star Tomasz Radzinski who blasted the ball through a crowded penalty area for his third goal of the season.

Everton thoroughly deserved the equaliser after playing some good quality football. In-Form Thomas Gravesen and Tomasz Radzinski in particular looking lively for the Blues. Gravesen did superbly well to hold off the challenge of several Arsenal defenders to launch a dipping shot from the edge of the area, which Under-fire, David Seaman did well to tip over the crossbar.

The champions, Arsenal looked lively on the counter attack, but the Everton defence, ably supported by the midfield, did well to cope with the attacking threat of Henry, Kanu, Wiltord and Ljungberg. Just before half-time Everton claims for a penalty were waved away after Tomasz Radzinski was held back by Ashley Cole with just the Seaman to beat.

The second half is being played at a frentic pace as both sides went for another goal. Last years leading goalscorer, Thierry Henry fluffed a glorious chance to put Arsenal ahead when his shot went wide from just six yards after Lauren's dangerous cross evaded the Everton defence.

David Seaman had to be at his best to deny Thomas Gravesen's 25-yard shot after brilliant work from Tomasz Radzinski, with the Canadian international enjoying one of his best games in a Blue shirt.

There were nervous moments in the Everton box when Sylvain Wiltord was clean through on goal, with just David Unsworth standing in front of him and the goal. Fortunately for Everton the Arsenal striker blasted the ball straight at David Unsworth and the danger was cleared.

Everton rode their luck again when a Freddie Ljungberg lob beat Richard Wright, but the Swede's spinning effort bounced wide of the post, while at the other end Mark Pembridge's bouncing free kick tested David Seaman.

However, with only seconds left on the clock, Young-Superstar Wayne Rooney twisted an turned the Arsenal defence as if he was playing with them and fired a shot which rebounded in off the crossbar!, leaving Seaman with no chance.

You would think that that would be enough for the 16 year old who has become the youngest ever player to score for Everton aswell as just beating Michael Owen's record of being the youngest player to score in the Premier league, but no, He nearly repeated the feat deep into injury time but his fantastic effort ended up on the top of the net.

This was, for sure, an afternoon to remember for so many reason...least of all Wayne’s wonder goal. This could well be reflected upon as the afternoon that David Moyes’ Everton came of age.