Paul Merson predicts Everton against Arsenal

Ashley Williams headed in a later victor as Everton’s 2-1 victory ended a 14-game unbeaten run for Arsenal in the Premier League, even though they had gone ahead from Alexis Sanchez’s free kick in the first half.

Ronald Koeman’s side came from behind to beat the title hopefuls as Alexis Sanchez’s deflected opener was cancelled out by Seamus Coleman, before Ashley Williams’ late victor.

Meanwhile, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger analysed how his team had fallen to defeat, per BT Sport (via Jennings): “We had chances in the first half, especially from Mesut”.

Everton’s only win in their last 18 league games against Arsenal was their 3-0 victory in April 2014 (D6 L11). I’m very disappointed because Clattenburg was in a very good position to see the player had the ball out.

Wenger was, however, quick to point out that Arsenal were taking each game as it comes, starting with Tuesday’s match.

The first choice midfielder for Wenger this season, Coquelin has been superb in controlling the game and he should keep his place in the side for this game against Everton.

“The strong mentality of the players is first down to the fact that we have more maturity in the squad”.

The result means the Gunners missed the chance to go top of the table, and gives Manchester City the opportunity to close to within one point ahead of their meeting on Sunday.

Sanchez sent the free-kick curling towards Everton goalkeeper Maarten Stekelenburg and in seeking to clear the ball, Williams succeeded only in deflecting it into his own net.

Sanchez has starred for Arsenal this season, and already has 11 Premier League goals to go along with four assists.

Everton did not look like equalising, with Romelu Lukaku and Aaron Lennon slicing shots off target, but with half-time looming they drew level.

Baines was given lots of time and space to size up a cross from the left wing, and his right-foot delivery found Coleman unmarked near the penalty spot to glance a header into the far corner.

Ozil appeared to be at the centre of the scuffle that broke out at the interval and was quickly in action again after the restart, feeding Sanchez, who chipped into the box for Theo Walcott to head wide.

Ashley Williams headed home an 86th-minute victor on Tuesday to earn Everton a 2-1 victory and end Arsenal’s 14-match unbeaten run in the league.

Arsenal last tasted defeat in the league back in Week 1 when they lost to Liverpool 4-3.

– Williams’ goal was the first that Arsenal have conceded from a corner in the Premier League this season.

He added: “On the ball we need to be more comfortable, but that’s confidence”.