NOT A GREAT FIRST IMPRESSION
Kevin Keegan hasn't made a great impression after Bill Kenwright hire him as Everton lost 1 - 0 to Arsenal, but it should have been a lot more. Sloppy Defending and useless attacking saw Everton lose for the first time since they lost 1-0 to Manchester United on the last day of the season. Keegan even apologized for the lack of discipline and the lack of shots. Arsenal's goal actually came from the penalty spot and a recless tackle from Jacobsen on Nasri gave Mike Reily no choice. The first shot saw a piece of goalkeeping magic. Nasri's cross hit Lescott and headed goalwards, a flat footed Tim Howard saw the ball very late, but managed to tip the ball over the bar. Marouane Fellaini, Gabriel Heinze, Joleon Lescott and Yakubu were all warned after serious tackles which could have hurt the opposition. Marouane Fellaini was then booked after he flew in with no mercy on Emmanuel Eboue.
The second half was a little more exciting, but not much as Everton weren't getting the ball. Samir Nasri broke through a challenge from Lescott and then poked it past Jacobsen, who delibrately tripped the frenchman, and Reily awarded a penalty and gave the yellow card. Van Persie v Howard, and The Dutchman won as he tapped it into the corner as cool as you like. Everton pushed on and almost won a corner, as Gallas kicked it out, but Mikel Arteta's tackle on Gallas was a foul, and was given a yellow card. Aaron Ramsey and Eduardo came on for Emmanuel Eboue and Abou Diaby, Ramsey almost scored with his first touch as his long range effort struck the bar after curling round Howard. Saha then picked up an injury and was subbed for Jose Baxter, who's shot was the best Everton could manage as it was saved by Almunia. Arsenal held on for the one goal win and now go above Everton in the table.
+ Arsenal Goals: Robin Van Persie (PK) 51'
+ Everton Goals: None.
+ Arsenal Bookings: None.
+ Everton Bookings: Marouane Fellaini 36', Lars Jacobsen 50', Mikel Arteta 58'
+ Arsenal Injuries: None.
+ Everton Injuries: Louis Saha 67'
+ Arsenal Subs: Aaron Ramsey & Eduardo on for Emmanuel Eboue & Abou Diaby 59'
+ Everton Subs: Jose Baxter on for Louis Saha 67'
+ Man of the Match: Robin Van Persie 9/10