EPL: Dyche Makes Instant Impact As Everton Stun Arsenal In Title Race

Everton’s new manager Sean Dyche got off to a fantastic start with a 1-0 victory over Premier League leaders, Arsenal.

James Tarkowski’s second-half header secured the win for the Toffees, who were previously in the relegation zone. The defeat left Arsenal with a five-point lead over second-placed Manchester City, who have played 20 games so far this season.

Everton played exceptionally well in Dyche’s first game in charge, putting pressure on Arsenal throughout the match.

The Toffees came close to scoring in the first half through Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Abdoulaye Doucoure. Tarkowski finally broke the deadlock with a header from a corner by Dwight McNeil, scoring his first goal for the club.

The win was a turning point for Everton, who had only won three league games this season before Saturday.

Tarkowski, who was signed by Dyche when he was at Burnley, expressed his hope that the win could change the prospects for the club. “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 said.

He added, “We’ve lacked that little bit of grit at times and that’s what the fans want. We’ve seen what it’s all about today.” Toffees winger McNeil also noted that the team knows how good they are and was confident in their abilities against Arsenal.

Arsenal did pose problems, with Bukayo Saka forcing a goal-line clearance from Tarkowski after a volley in the first half and Eddie Nketiah blasting an effort over from close range.

Despite the efforts, Everton’s Jordan Pickford held on for the win. Deadline day signing Jorginho made his debut for the Gunners a minute before Everton’s goal, but could not change the outcome of the game.

Everton’s win was the first time they had beaten a top-of-the-table side in 11 years, with their last such win coming in January 2012 against Manchester City. The Toffees are now 17th in the league, a point above the drop zone, but have played one game more than the teams below them. The team and their fans will be hoping that this win will be the start of a turnaround for the club and their season.