Everton come from behind to beat Arsenal 2-1

Liverpool, Dec 14 (IANS) Everton ended a five-match winless streak, coming from behind at home to edge Arsenal 2-1 in the English Premier League.

Arsenal, who sit second in the Premier League behind Chelsea, entered Tuesday's contest at Goodison Park having won three games in a row, while Everton was without a victory since October, reports Efe.

Arsenal took a 1-0 lead in the 20th minute as Alexis Sanchez's free-kick deflected off defender Ashley Williams and sailed past Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg into the net.

The hosts improved as the first half wore on and pulled level just before the break on a Seamus Coleman header that was beyond the reach of Arsenal keeper Petr Cech.

Arsenal's intensity seemed to dwindle late in the second half, opening the door to more frequent counterattacks by Everton, who went ahead 2-1 on a goal by Williams, his first since joining the club.

But Arsenal did not give up without a fight, putting multiple shots on target in a stoppage-time assault that saw Cech join his teammates in the Everton end before a breakout by the hosts forced him to make a mad dash back to his own net.

The loss leaves Arsenal with 34 points, three behind leader Chelsea, who face West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday.

Everton, with 23 points, are in the seventh spot.

--IANS

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