Premier League leaders, Arsenal tasted their first defeat this season with Thomas Partey in action as they lost by 1-0 to Everton at the Goodison Park.

The Gunners had not lost a match with the Ghanaian player in action since the start of the season. The goal came a minute after Partey got substituted in the match.

However, they suffered their second defeat in the season under Everton’s new manager Sean Dyche.

James Tarkowski’s 60th-minute header was what made the difference for the Toffees to earn the three maximum points over the title contenders.

Tarkowski jumped high to power home a header from Dwight McNeil's corner to set the Goodison Park into a joyous scene.

Arsenal were outplayed for the majority part of the game and failed to play according to their rhythm.

Leandro Trossard forced a brave save from Jordan Pickford in an attempt to get an equalizer in the match.

Partey who was making a return from injury played 59 minutes of action before he was substituted for January new signing Jorginho to come on.

The Gunners had not lost a game in the Premier League since October 2022 after they suffered a 3-1 defeat at the hands of Manchester United in Partey’s absence.

Arsenal’s lead at the top may cut to two points if Manchester City beat Tottenham on Sunday.

JNA/WA