Arsenal 2-2 Everton: Two deflected goals
Goal.com
The visitors had twice led through Leon Osman and Steven Pienaar but deflected strikes from Denilson and substitute Tomas Rosicky broke Everton hearts.
A point was not enough to send Arsene Wenger’s side into second place and a draw was no less than David Moyes' side deserved.
Everton's new loan signing, Landon Donovan, went straight into the starting line-up on the right wing with Louis Saha operating as a lone striker.
Eduardo lead the line for Arsenal flanked by Andrey Arshavin and Samir Nasri while the impressive Aaron Ramsey was afforded a midfield berth.
Arsenal’s midweek clash with Bolton had fallen foul of the weather but after a massive overnight operation outside the Emirates, the match was given the green light.
Kick off was greeted with a deluge of snow and a lively opening saw chances at both ends.
First Saha blasted over when well placed before Arshavin failed to connect with Abou Diaby’s teasing centre.
But on 12 minutes the deadlock was broken thanks largely to Everton’s American import.
Donovan curled in a pinpoint corner that was met by the leaping Leon Osman who escaped the attentions of a static Arsenal backline to head superbly beyond Almunia.
Arsenal were missing the drive of midfield talisman Cesc Fabregas but found their rhythm after falling behind.
And having got their passing game into gear it wasn’t long before they were level.
Denilson’s 20-yard drive struck the unfortunate Leon Osman and flew past the stranded Tim Howard to restore parity on the half hour mark.
Everton have found a bit of form after a disastrous start to the season, which began with a 6-1 drubbing at home to the Gunners in August.
Neither side was able to force the initiative before the interval with clear cut chances at a premium as the teams went into half time level.
source: goal.com
