EVERTON FOOTBALL CLUB - News Archive

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

The fact that the Arsenal fans were calling for full time, ten minutes left, and that Arsenal tried to keep the ball near the corner flag shows that Everton played well and were unlucky not to receive something from the game.

Eight minutes into his 26th appearance for the Gunners, Cygan stole ahead of a static Everton defence to power a header beyond Richard Wright from Thierry Henry's wickedly delivered corner.

The goal brought the confidence Arsenal were in need of.

It was Richard Wrights first return to Highbury since his departure...Wright spilled a routine Dennis Bergkamp shot into the path of Henry and was grateful to Alan Stubbs for his timely block.

The always lively, Thierry Henry went close with a fierce volley after flicking the ball up to create his own opportunity.

The first 30 minutes were Evertons worst period of the game.

Wayne Rooney looked dangerous every time he got the ball, in-front of an impressed England manager.

Early in the second half, Rooney set up strike partner Kevin Campbell for a shot into the side netting, but the young striker finally took matters into his own hands on 56 minutes...

Picking up a pass from Campbell, Rooney ran straight at the Arsenal defence, Cygan backed off, resulting in Rooney to crack a low shot between the defender's legs and beyond Stuart Taylor into the far corner of the Arsenal net, to add to his tally of wonder goals!.

The buzz only lasted 8 minutes.

Everton were furious that David Unsworth was not awarded a free-kick as he tangled with Bergkamp resulting in Vieira to slam home the decisive goal.