Williams lifts Everton as Arsenal blow chance

It was the first league defeat for Arsene Wenger’s men since they lost to Liverpool on the opening day of the season and their first on the road since March. More importantly, it handed Chelsea the chance to go six points clear at the top when they visit bottom club Sunderland on Wednesday.

It looked like business as usual for the visitors, who have been scoring freely in recent weeks, when Alexis Sanchez netted his 12th league goal of the season with a deflected free kick after 20 minutes. 

Everton though warmed to the task, levelling through Seamus Coleman’s header a minute before halftime. With the seconds ticking away towards the end, Williams rose high to nod Ross Barkley’s corner into the net for his first Everton goal, securing the team’s first win since the end of October. It moved Everton up to seventh in the table. 

“We showed unbelievable spirit to come back and we deserved the win,” manager Koeman said. Francis Coquelin was brought down on the edge of the area and Sanchez stepped up to hit a tame free kick that looked to be covered by Stekelenburg until it deflected off Williams and beat the keeper.