Arsenal vs Everton: Five reasons why it was the most exciting game of the season so far

4) Barkley’s maturity

Although he tapered off towards the end especially when he was switched to the left by manager Roberto Martinez, Ross Barkley looked a fine young prospect for the future.

If there was a key factor influencing Everton’s first half dominance, it was the young Evertonian youth academy product who not only affected play when he received the ball but constantly demanded it playing just off the centre forward. He distributed play, tracked back and defended, ran at the opposition defenders at every chance he could and took a shot at goal at the every possible opportunity symbolizing the positive attitude and tactics of Martinez’s Everton.

He was one of the main reasons for an in from Arsenal to take the entire first half to find their foothold in the game.