This was the 1st goal of the night till highlights are put up were ever they are
David Unsworth saluted Anthony Gordon’s “explosiveness and star quality” after the forward netted twice in Everton Under-23s' entertaining 2-2 draw with Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
The young Blues twice came from behind in north London, with two accomplished finishes from the 18-year-old earning Everton a share of the points.
The result means the defending Premier League 2 champions have drawn each of their opening three games of the campaign.
Tyreece John-Jules opened the scoring early in the piece for Arsenal before Gordon replied almost instantaneously – getting on the end of a neat through ball from Antony Evans and rifling home.
The Gunners regained the lead before half-time through Robbie Burton and looked to be heading for victory as the game approached its final stages.
But seven minutes from time Gordon latched on to a fabulous raking pass from defender Matty Foulds and calmly rounded Arsenal goalkeeper Karl Hein before slotting into the empty goal.
“It was a really tough game,” Unsworth said. “Arsenal are a top side at this level.
“The great thing to take from the game is we stayed in it, the players dug in and we got a really good point.
“They were two great finishes. If chances come along, you want them to come to Anthony Gordon because he is in such a rich vein of form.
“He’s grown in stature as a player. He can still be better physically, in terms of being able to go for 95 minutes – and he will do that. His desire and application is there.
“He is such an explosive player. He’s progressing really well and when he reaches his full potential, he’ll be some player.
"It’s not a question of if, he will do. He’s got that star quality.”
The contest at the Emirates got off to a frenetic start, with each team on target within the opening seven minutes.
The home side drew first blood. John-Jules found some space down the left channel five minutes in and his lofted effort looped over Toffees keeper Nico Hansen’s head and into the back of the net.
Everton’s response was immediate. Evans slipped a pinpoint pass through to Gordon, whose ice-cool finish levelled the scores.
Gordon threatened again soon after. Wing-back Foulds progressed down the left flank and slipped a ball into the forward’s path. The 18-year-old got his shot away but experienced defender Rob Holding – who is stepping up his comeback after suffering a cruciate ligament injury last year – slid in to make a crucial block.
It was Arsenal who were to strike next. After winning the ball in the middle of the park, the Gunners broke at speed and worked the ball to midfielder Robbie Burton, who curled a pinpoint shot into the top corner on 22 minutes.
Arsenal thought they had a third when Holding’s header looked destined for the back of the net, but Foulds was on the line to clear.
Everton started the second half encouragingly, with Gordon forcing an excellent save from Hein with a swerving effort from 20 yards.
Trae Coyle came closest for Arsenal in the second half, cracking a shot at goal that Hansen athletically tipped over the bar.
Gordon was to have the last word, though, showing a predator’s instinct to get on the end of Foulds’ marvellous pass and secure a hard-earned point for his team.
“We know we can do better,” admitted manager Unsworth. “But I can’t fault the lads.
“We weren’t at our best but we hung in there, we showed effort and desire, and for that I’m very proud of them.”
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Steve Bould after the final whistle - and this is what he said:
on how he saw the victory…
Not that great to be honest. I thought in the first half Brighton were better than us and there were one or two words said in the dressing room that you don’t really want to say at times, but the second half was much, much better and we looked more urgent. We were running about a little bit more and moving the ball a little quicker. We had a lot of chances in the second half, so it was just disappointing in the first half. I know we were against the wind and it wasn’t easy at all, but we didn’t move the ball quick enough and we were doing it with too many touches. To be fair to Brighton, they’re a good side so in the end it was a good result for us.
on his attacking line-up…
Well, sometimes it’s what you’re given. It’s what the first team give us, or don’t give us. Sometimes our players will dictate how we play, so it was a bit attacking and we struggled to get out a little bit. In the second half with the wind we were much, much better and played with more urgency. When Jordan came on we changed the system and looked better on the ball. The disappointment for me is that we allowed them to score in the last three or four minutes. A clean sheet even at this level is always welcome.
on the importance of building momentum at this stage of the season…
It’s great and I’ll say this a thousand times, winning isn’t the be all and end all at this level. But it’s great to win because it’s a great habit and it’s something they have to know as a professional footballer. We’re in a winning business. The biggest disappointment over the last two games has been the performance. We’re much better than we’re showing at the minute and we’re hoping during the season that those performances pick up.
on Smith Rowe scoring and building up his fitness…
It’s huge for him. He played 45 minutes in the first game and got to 60 today, and we were always going to take him off, so it was great that he scored just before he came off. He’s building up his fitness and as far as we know he’s having no problems with his old injury, so it’s a major plus for everybody.
on whether he’s enjoyed being back in the dugout as head coach…
Yeah, I’m loving it. I know I don’t look like I’m loving it sometimes, but I think that’s just always the case! I’m enjoying coaching, planning and working with the kids. They’re good kids.
