LONDON: Gerard Delofeu’s late goal earned Everton a deserved 1-1 draw at Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday after Mesut Ozil’s strike seemed set to seal three points for the home side.
An absorbing clash which sizzled throughout caught fire in the closing stages as Ozil swept Arsenal in front from close range in the 80th minute and substitute Delofeu fired a powerful shot past Wojciech Szczesny four minutes later.
Olivier Giroud almost snatched victory in stoppage time for the hosts when his 30-metre thunderbolt thumped against the woodwork.
The draw left Arsenal on 35 points, five clear of Liverpool and Chelsea after 15 games and Everton, who have lost only twice in the league, are fifth on 28.
Earlier, goals from Steve Sidwell and Dimitar Berbatov helped Fulham end a six-match losing streak with a 2-0 home victory over Aston Villa.
Sidwell struck from a tight angle on 21 minutes and Berbatov rolled in a cheeky penalty on the half hour as Fulham dominated.
Fulham, who sacked manager Martin Jol last week and replaced him with fellow Dutchman Rene Meulensteen, moved to 13 points alongside West Ham United who are one place above the relegation zone on a superior goal difference.
In the late matches on Saturday, Norwich were 2-0 winners at West Bromich Albion, while Tottenham Hotspur were 2-1 victors at bottom club Sunderland.
“Overall, we have to congratulate Everton as they played very well and started better but, saying that, Tim Howard (Everton’s goalkeeper) made three excellent saves,” Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger said after the match.
“We regret we were 1-0 up and couldn’t keep a clean sheet. We were caught a bit on the flanks. This team has a fantastic attitude and response always. They give everything. We know we have quality and at least we took a point.
“The three points would have been better but attitude and quality of players is there and is a good basis for improvement.
“It was quality game with two teams who tried to play in an attacking way. It was an enjoyable game played in an enjoyable spirit.”
The visitors had around 56 percent of the possession and their manager Roberto Martinez was pleased with his team’s first half effort.
“The first half performance was as good as it can be from an away side at the Emirates, to take the sting out of the game and stop Arsenal playing and creating a threat,” Martinez said.
“Their goal came from nothing but to display the character and come back to score with a goal of that quality was fitting for a game of that standard.
“It is a good example of how we have been working to get in positions where we can win at Manchester United and come to the Emirates and get a draw. We are still learning and developing.” (Reuters)