Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta makes ‘strange’ Goodison Park claim after 1-1 draw vs Everton

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Everton came back from behind to claim a point against Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.

Leandro Trossard opened the scoring with a well-taken left-footed strike past Jordan Pickford just after the half-hour mark.

David Moyes gave an inspiring half-time team talk, which sparked an instant response in the second period, as Iliman Ndiaye equalised from the spot.

Ndiaye netted his ninth goal of the season and received plaudits from teammates and players across the Premier League.

Newcastle United star William Osulu sent Ndiaye a glowing message on Instagram, whilst Jesper Lindstrom and Asmir Begovic also left positive comments.

However, that said, Everton’s real star of the show was Idrissa Gana Gueye, with supporters awarding him the Man of the Match.

Gueye is out of contract in the summer but will surely be given a one-year deal after his superb performances this term.

Aside from the aforementioned pair, there weren’t too many talking points against the Gunners, although Mikel Arteta made a ‘strange’ claim about Goodison Park after the game.

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Mikel Arteta makes ‘strange’ claim about Goodison Park

Speaking after the game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, who plied his trade as an Everton player for six and a half years, reflected on what will be his final visit to Goodison Park.

Arteta said it will be very ‘strange’ when the Toffees finally leave the Grand Old Lady for the new stadium on Bramley-Moore Dock.

“I think the Premier League has got a reputation all over the world for places like Goodison Park,” the Arsenal boss said. “I think that makes the Premier League unique, so it’s going to be very strange.

“I understand it’s the evolution of football, of a football club, but this is very much part of the history of this league, and when you want to describe somebody from abroad how the Premier League looks like, you say go to Goodison Park and experience it.

“Unfortunately in a few months, we’re not going to have that again.”

Just three games left at Goodison Park

Everton now have just three games left at Goodison Park before their new home becomes Bramley-Moore, which will be transformative for the club’s finances.

Everton’s new stadium could earn them an extra £40m in revenue and it’s set to attract major sporting events.

Bramley-Moore is scheduled to host England vs Australia in the Rugby League Ashes and the Three Lions football team could play an international friendly there in September.

So, whilst it will be emotional to wave farewell to Goodison Park, it’s for the greater good of Everton as the Friedkin’s aim to return the club to Europe.

The American investors could move the Women’s team into Goodison Park, so it won’t be wasted and will remain part of the city.