New Everton boss Sean Dyche’s reign started with a shock 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders Arsenal as James Tarkowski’s second-half header noticed the Toffees win their first recreation since October and transfer out of the relegation zone on Saturday.
The defeat left Arsenal with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who go to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, with the highest two having each now performed 20 video games.
Everton seemed a much-improved unit in Dyche’s first recreation in cost after changing Frank Lampard they usually troubled Arsenal all through, coming near opening the scoring within the first half via Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure.
Tarkowski lastly broke the impasse to attain his first aim for the hosts on the hour with a header from a nook by fellow ex-Burnley man Dwight McNeil which flew previous Aaron Ramsdale.
Tarkowski, who Dyche signed when he was at Burnley, mentioned he hoped the win may assist change the prospects for Everton, who had solely received three league video games all season earlier than Saturday.
“It has been tough for us and the fans and for all the staff in the club. Hopefully this is the turning point for the club, there is a lot of talent here,” he instructed BT Sport.
“It’s taken me a while, I need to score more. What a great time to do it and a great day. It’s back to work on Monday and we crack on.
“We’ve lacked that little little bit of grit at occasions and that is what the followers need. We’ve seen what it is all about immediately.”
It was the first time Everton had beaten a top-of-the table side in 11 years, with their last such win coming in January 2012 against Manchester City.
Toffees winger McNeil added: “We know the way good they (Arsenal) are as a workforce, however we additionally know the way good we’re as a workforce as properly with all the possibilities we had.”
Arsenal did pose issues, with Bukayo Saka forcing a goal-line clearance from Tarkowski after a volley within the first half and Eddie Nketiah blasting an effort over from shut vary.
Deadline day signing Jorginho made his Gunners debut a minute earlier than Everton’s aim however the Italy midfielder couldn’t do sufficient to alter his facet’s fortunes.
They continued to toil to the tip of the six minutes of added time with a interval of relentless attacking however Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was in a position to maintain the guests at bay.
Everton, who had solely been separated from backside spot by aim distinction, are actually seventeenth, some extent above the drop zone however having performed a recreation greater than the groups beneath them.