Last-minute Everton strike outguns Arsenal

By Kevin Widdop

Everton 1 – 0 Arsenal
Goodison Park

It comes in threes. Arsenal’s cup defeats of late turned to domestic gloom on Sunday as they conceded a third late goal in a month which compounds the Gunners’ disappointing season.

As violent hail lashed down onto the Merseyside turf, a late scramble led to Andy Johnson’s half volley which arrowed past Jens Lehman before the England striker took ecstatically to the stands to celebrate a goal that takes David Moyes’ side up to sixth in the Premiership.

It was a tight game that drew the best and worst from Arsene Wenger’s young side. They passed with precision at times, but gave the ball away all too easily and lacked the attacking punch to see off an Everton side with Europe on their minds. It is difficult to see how Arsenal can threaten the top two next season if they do not bring in new blood to add to the injured Henry’s killer instinct.

It is not enough for Arsenal to counter that they aspire to play total football if they continue to switch off at the last, slipping crucial goals which sees them battling for third place and a season which is descending into mediocrity while others chase trophies. Julia Baptista, Abou Diaby and Jérémie Aliadière all went close, but it was Everton who looked the more threatening.

Lee Carlsey bossed the midfield and Manuel Fernandes partnered him brilliantly, shutting out the sprightly Fabregas, who usually orchestrates the centre so well. But not here. Both Carsley and Leon Osman rattled the woodwork and there was always a sense that the Gunners were trying to wriggle off the demons of their wretched cup defeats. They never looked like doing so.

With England coach Steve McClaren watching in the stands, it was fitting that it should be Johnson who netted his twelfth of the season before he deservedly starts the game in this weekend’s trip to Tel Aviv.