LONDON, ENGLAND - FEBRUARY 23: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates scoring his teams third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Chloe Knott - Danehouse/Getty Images)
Arsenal Vs Everton: 5 things we learned – Mikel Arteta brilliance
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC celebrate after scoring 1st goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)
4. Young Guns continue to shine
Arsenal’s season has been defined by the positive performances of their young players. From Matteo Guendouzi establishing himself in central midfield to Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles forcing their way into the starting XI, the Gunners’ young talents have been the glittering storyline of the season. And the same was true again here.
18-year-old Bukayo Saka and 20-year-old Eddie Nketiah combined for a brilliant equalising goal. Saka, who was introduced after Sead Kolasinac went off injured early on, delivered a wonderful bending cross from the left flank. Nketiah had drifted between the Everton centre-backs, waited patiently for the ball to come into the area and deftly opened his instep out to volley into the far corner.
It was a lovely goal, a clear illustration of the talent the pair share. But while Saka struggled in the second half, clearly looking leggy after playing two games already this week, Nketiah produced a complete striking display. His hold-up play was solid, he pressed excellently, worked hard, hit the crossbar with a lovely shaped effort late on, and nabbed the goal, a knack that he has shown time and again. The young Guns are firing once more.
Arsenal fought back from a first-minute concession to beat Everton to the tune of a 3-2 scoreline to keep their top-four hopes alive and maintain the momentum that Mikel Arteta has inspired at the club. Eddie Nketiah scored the equaliser after Dominic Calvert-Lewin broke the deadlock early on. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang then scored either side of a Richarlison goal to ensure the Gunners went home with the three points.</p>
<h2><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/pain-in-the-arsenal-podcast-on-arsenal-fc/id1314514440?ign-mpt=uo%3D4%26amp%3Buo%3D4&mt=2%22>Listen to the latest episode of the Pain in the Arsenal podcast here! — A Winning Feeling</a></h2>
<p>Here are five things we learned from<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/51519246"> the 3-2 victory</a>.</p>
<div id="attachment_99162" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99162" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1208177053-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal gives Dani Ceballos of Arsenal instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>5. Mikel Arteta has his central midfield</h4>
<p>As a Pep Guardiola protege and a central midfielder himself, it was always going to be important for Mikel Arteta to build a central midfield partnership as the foundation of his Arsenal team. It is the cornerstone position on the pitch, around which the entire team revolves. This week, it seems as though Arteta has settled on his preferred set-up.</p>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=granit+xhaka%22>Granit Xhaka</a> is now a mainstay in central midfield, shifting over to the left-back area when in possession to open up central pockets and dictate play from deeper positions. But his partner was Lucas Torreira. Now, however, <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=dani+ceballos%22>Dani Ceballos</a> has ostensibly won the starting role, and based on his performance last weekend and on this occasion, he deserves it.</p>
<p>Ceballos was not as influential in possession as he is known for, but he worked tremendously hard, played in a combative, hard-fought manner, and showed a willingness to undertake the dirty work that many creative players veer away from. Xhaka was the distributor here, his left foot spraying some beautiful balls throughout the pitch, but he and Ceballos blended together beautifully and offered Arsenal strong control of the match. Arteta has found his midfield.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 4. Young Guns continue to shine </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99166" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99166" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1202831756-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Eddie Nketiah of Arsenal FC celebrate after scoring 1st goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Sebastian Frej/MB Media/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>4. Young Guns continue to shine</h4>
<p>Arsenal’s season has been defined by the positive performances of their young players. From Matteo Guendouzi establishing himself in central midfield to Reiss Nelson and Ainsley Maitland-Niles forcing their way into the starting XI, the Gunners’ young talents have been the glittering storyline of the season. And the same was true again here.</p>
<p>18-year-old <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=bukayo+saka%22>Bukayo Saka</a> and 20-year-old <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=eddie+nketiah%22>Eddie Nketiah</a> combined for a brilliant equalising goal. Saka, who was introduced after Sead Kolasinac went off injured early on, delivered a wonderful bending cross from the left flank. Nketiah had drifted between the Everton centre-backs, waited patiently for the ball to come into the area and deftly opened his instep out to volley into the far corner.</p>
<p>It was a lovely goal, a clear illustration of the talent the pair share. But while Saka struggled in the second half, clearly looking leggy after playing two games already this week, Nketiah produced a complete striking display. His hold-up play was solid, he pressed excellently, worked hard, hit the crossbar with a lovely shaped effort late on, and nabbed the goal, a knack that he has shown time and again. The young Guns are firing once more.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 3. Set-piece defending still an issue </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99160" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99160" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1208181089-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Richarlison of Everton scores his team’s second goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>3. Set-piece defending still an issue</h4>
<p>Much has been made of Arsenal’s defensive improvements under Mikel Arteta. After three successive clean sheets and having conceded fewer than a goal per game under the Spaniard, there was good reason for the wide-ranging praise. Arteta had had a very positive impact.</p>
<div class="recent-posts ">
<h4>More from <b>Pain in the Arsenal</b></h4>
<ul>
<li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/arsenal-interest-miguel-gutierrez-girona/">
Fabrizio Romano confirms Arsenal interest in Girona star
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/when-will-martin-odegaard-return-from-his-injury/">
When will Martin Odegaard return from his injury?
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/2-midfielders-arsenal-could-sign-in-january-transfer-window/">
2 midfielders Arsenal could sign in January transfer window
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/thomas-partey-unlikely-to-play-for-arsenal-again-in-2023/">
Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023
</a>
</li><li>
<a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2023/11/10/predicted-arsenal-lineup-vs-burnley-saka-fit-to-start/">
Predicted Arsenal lineup vs Burnley: Saka fit to start?
</a>
</li></ul>
</div>
<p>But here, those same defensive vulnerabilities arose once again, especially from set-pieces. Everton scored within a minute from a deep freekick. Sead Kolasinac was busy fighting with Yerry Mina, standing five yards deeper than the rest of the defensive line, which caused panic in the Arsenal ranks, David Luiz failed to head clear, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin was the only player to react to the loose ball, brilliantly prodding home an acrobatic finish.</p>
<p>Then, shortly before half-time, Everton scored from another poorly clear set-piece. A corner was only headed clear to the edge of the area, then Mina won the second ball to flick a header to Richarlison, who poked the ball through the legs of Bernd Leno. Arsenal failed to clear the ball, were panicked when it returned to the penalty area, and saw Leno stay on his line when he should have been more assertive.</p>
<p>All in all, it was panicked, disorganised, hapless set-piece defending. Arteta has improved many things at the club, especially defensively, but there are still weaknesses to be addressed.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 2. Aubameyang is awesome </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99164" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99164" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1208182855-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang of Arsenal celebrates after scoring his sides third goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>2. Aubameyang is awesome</h4>
<p><a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=pierre-emerick+aubameyang%22>Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang</a> was the best player on the pitch. But what separates him from every other player in the team is not his ability, however astounding it may be. He was also the hardest working player on the pitch, and the combination of his talent and tenacity is terrifying for any opponent.</p>
<p>Aubameyang’s goals were quintessential Aubameyang goals: a bent run in behind from out wide, spearing a cool and calm finish into the far corner by opening his body up to curl home; a smart header after drifting away from the Everton centre-backs to find space in a congested penalty area and meet Nicolas Pepe’s cross. But it was his work-rate that was most impressive.</p>
<p>Playing in a position that is obviously not his preferred role, Aubameyang got his head down and did the dirty work. He pressed from the front, he tracked runners, he supported Bukayo Saka behind him, he led as a character and club captain. He was utterly brilliant, and Arsenal are very lucky to have him.</p>
<div class="next-slide slider"> <a class="next-slide-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="next-slide-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"#"> <span class="title">Next:</span> 1. Hope abounds under Mikel Arteta </a>
</div><!—pageview_candidate—><hr id="pagebreak"><div id="attachment_99165" class="wp-caption aligncenter">
<img decoding="async" loading="lazy" class="size-large wp-image-99165" src=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/fetch/c_fill,g_auto,f_auto,h_389,w_590/https%3A%2F%2Fpaininthearsenal.com%2Fwp-content%2Fuploads%2Fgetty-images%2F2017%2F07%2F1208176932-850x560.jpeg" alt="" width="590" height="389"><div class="fs-center-img">
<p class="wp-caption-text" style="width:590px;">LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 23: Mikel Arteta, Manager of Arsenal celebrates his team’s first goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on February 23, 2020 in London, United Kingdom. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)</p>
</div>
</div>
<h4>1. Hope abounds under Mikel Arteta</h4>
<p>Following the two-week break, Arsenal have endured a difficult three-match streak in the space of seven days, including a trip to Greece and a match at 10 pm. <a href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/?s=mikel+arteta%22>Mikel Arteta</a> led his team to three successive victories, two clean sheets, eight goals, and the signs of serious progress throughout the entire team.</p><div class="widget fs_ads"> <div class="fs_ad_widget-ad" style="margin:0 auto; width: 300px;"> <div class="fs-ll-ad" data-ad-type="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-vendor="minutemedia">
<div id="minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet" data-position="slideshow_inline" data-slot="inline_99151" style="width:300px;margin: 0 auto;">
<script>
googletag.cmd.push(function () {
googletag.defineSlot("/175840252/fansided.com/PainintheArsenal/mpu",[300, 250], "minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet")
.addService(googletag.pubads());
googletag.enableServices();
googletag.display("minutemedia_slideshow_inline_300x250__desktop__tablet");
});
</script>
</div>
</div> </div> </div>
<p>Players look resurgent. Granit Xhaka, Shkodran Mustafi, Mesut Ozil are now key contributors. The spirit is inspired. The character has strengthened. There is more tactical definition and purpose, with genuine improvements made throughout the pitch. And the Emirates is now reverberating with praise and positivity. Arsenal were superb for an hour and battled hard for the final 30 minutes. And they are now winning games.</p>
<p>Are they in a top-four race just yet? Perhaps not. There is still a long way to go. But Arteta has instilled a way of playing, momentum in the dressing room, confidence in the players, and hope in the stands.</p>
<div class="fs-shortcode" data-type="StoryLink" data-theme="dark" data-text="Arsenal Vs Everton: Player ratings" data-url="https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-player-ratings-5/" data-call-to-action="Next"> <div class="story-link-next"> <a class="story-link-next-btn" style="background: #c01f2f" data-track="shortcode" data-track-action="story-link-next-shortcode" href=https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-5-things-learned-mikel-arteta-brilliance/2/"https://paininthearsenal.com/2020/02/23/arsenal-vs-everton-player-ratings-5/"> <span class="call_to_action">Next:</span> Arsenal Vs Everton: Player ratings </a> </div>
</div>
<p>The Mikel Arteta era is off to a brilliant start. There is reason to be hopeful once again.</p><!—pageview_candidate—></p>">
