Bernd Leno scores own-goal as Arsenal’s European dream fades Updated for April 2024

Updated: 26 November

EPL Matchday 33 of 38 – Weekend round-up

Arsenal 0 Everton 1 – The Emirates stadium – Friday, 23 April 2021

Carlo Ancelotti's Everton strengthened their chances for a Europa League entry when they were helped by an own-goal from Arsenal on Friday night.

The Gunners starting without their star forwards Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Alexandre Lacazette were quickly off the traps as Ben Godfrey was well-positioned to flick Calum Chambers' cross off the head of Eddie Nketiah well inside two minutes of play.

The visitors created their opening chances on the half-hour mark when Allan spotted Richarlison's run and the latter's low drive from the move drew a fine save from Arsenal keeper Bernd Leno.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin who was near at hand could not divert his headed attempt in from the resultant rebound of Leno's save.

Gylfi Sigurdsson came closest for Everton a little later before when his 30-yard free-kick found the crossbar. Arsenal, determined to end a turbulent week on a bright note, thought they had won the chance to score from the spot when Richarlison nicked Dani Ceballos inside the box but VAR David Coote ruled Nicolas Pepe to be fractionally offside in the build-up and the penalty disallowed.

Arsenal looked to turn the screws as Ceballos forced a fine save from Jordan Pickford, but the Toffees were gifted the goal they were waiting for when Leno bundled Richarlison's low cross into his own net in the 76th minute.

Mikel Arteta's men looked to salvage things during injury time as substitute Gabriel Martinelli tried a poked shot from an acute angle but his effort was well kept out by an agile Pickford.

Everton, having played a game less than the rest, are now in the 8th place with 52 points and a comfortable 6 points away from Arsenal who find themselves on the tenth after Friday's home defeat.

Other results on Friday, 23 April 2021

• Leicester City 3 – Jamie Vardy 23m, Jonny Evans 26m, Kelechi Iheanacho 36m / West Bromwich 0

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