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Mikel Arteta defended Arsenal\u2019s delaying tactics at corners following complaints from Gary Neville during the Gunners\u2019 hardfought win over Everton.<\/p>\n
Arsenal news, exclusives and analysis<\/p>\n
Leandro Trossard\u2019s 69th minute goal ultimately proved decisive as Arteta\u2019s side recorded a first win at Goodison Park since 2017 when Arsene Wenger was still at the helm. <\/p>\n
The decisive moment came following a short corner routine which took 26 seconds to instigate and ultimately culminated in the Belgium international rifling the ball beyond Jordan Pickford via the inside of the post, having been teed up by Bukayo Saka.<\/p>\n
It appeared a deliberate ploy by Arsenal who had been reluctant to play the ball into the penalty area given the size of Everton\u2019s defenders, but the time they took over their set-piece routines drew the ire of Neville.<\/p>\n
\u2018I just asked how long that ball was in the corner for and apparently it took 26 seconds to take that short corner, which is an absolute mountain of time,\u2019 he said. <\/p>\n
\u2018Particularly in this climate with the referees trying to pick up on everything but it worked. <\/p>\n
\u2018You saw Mikel Arteta and the coaching team start to celebrate because it\u2019s worked, so they must\u2019ve been working on it in training.\u2019<\/p>\n
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Asked to justify the delaying tactics that helped draw Everton out of position and create the space for the decisive moment, Arteta told Sky Sports: \u2018Obviously they are very strong in the box so we need alternatives. <\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s about creating a story in the game an\u2019d the players have to sense when is the best moment to do it.\u2019<\/p>\n
Arsenal\u2019s title bid began to unravel in the Blue half of Merseyside back in February and Arteta was delighted to have avenged that defeat with a robust if not eye-catching performance. <\/p>\n
He added: \u2018We talked about it, this is the challenge. For six years we haven\u2019t won here and there are a few reasons for it.<\/p>\n
\u2018It\u2019s how you do things and the input you do in every single action. I think we played an incredible game, we kept them quiet and created many, many chances, The first (disallowed) goal, as well, should be allowed. <\/p>\n
\u2018We dominated the game and we are extremely happy to go away with a win and a clean sheet.\u2019<\/p>\n