Arsenal come again through Mesut Ozil and his cross is headed down to Olivier Giroud... chest... volley... save at the near post.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, like a downhill skier slaloms through midfield bodies to create a three-against-two situation. He goes left to Alexis Sanchez who will race in on goal but Tim Howard is out expertly to dive at the forward's feet. Howard had to anticipate there to help his defenders and he did so with class.

Image source, Reuters

Postpublished at 51 mins

51 mins

Arsenal 2-1 Everton

Everton have lost their captain. Phil Jagielka has gone down the tunnel after that knee issue and so on comes Ramiro Funes Mori. He passes the armband to Tim Howard.

Image source, Reuters

A bit of a worry here for Everton as Phil Jagielka looks to have hurt his knee. A 50-50 challenge with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has left the central defender in trouble and he's hobbling. He should be OK to continue.

Alexis Sanchez picks himself off the floor like a boxer from the canvas after toe poking an effort at the near post before being bundled over. It was a routine save for Tim Howard but almost... almost a clear sight of goal. Seamus Coleman just had the legs to be a nuisance to the Chilean.

And we go again. Everton attack the end of the ground where their travelling supporters sit. Remember they have not won at Arsenal since 1996. A big ask...

The image needs no words. 

Image source, Reuters

Nick in Burnley: Are Ross Barkley's deflected goals that lucky, or is he that good that he purposely uses the player to deflect his shot off, thus fooling the goalkeeper from saving his shot..(See his goal for England the other month as further evidence)

As the players emerge for the second period, we can take a look at Ross Barkley's contribution. He's so pivotal to Everton now and with 30 touches, saw more of the ball than any other player in blue.

He completed 88% of his passes and of course got the goal. 

Image source, Getty Images

He was the subject of a failed bid from Chelsea in the summer, but should John Stones commit his future to Everton? The subject was discussed on BBC Radio 5 live.

“I would sign a new contract because he will still be sold in the future," said Jermaine Jenas. "Everton rate him as more than a £30m player but they are not paying him like one.

"They will give him a new contract, he will probably play for Everton for a couple of seasons and he will still go."

Stones was decent enough in the opening period, three tackles, one interception. It was Phil Jagielka caught on his heels for the opener.

Here's the moment which has changed the dynamic somewhat at the interval.

Counter-attack, Gareth Barry, Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley, bang, goal.

Image source, BB

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "It's about keeping that belief. You need a bit of luck, and Everton are back in the game. At 2-0 you wonder what is going to happen to Everton but Ross Barkley has taken the shot on and sometimes it's not going to fly in the top corner but you get rewarded for trying it."  

Just when it looked routine, a spanner in the Arsenal works. You've got to love this sport haven't you? 

The carrot of being league leaders is being temptingly dangled for Arsenal and after shading the early exchanges, two quick headers looked sure to give them the bounty today.

But can that wicked deflection for Everton's goal have meaningful impact. We are in the balance here...

We have two added minutes in this first half, Everton force a corner and have their tails up. Have they got time for it? Gerard Deulofeu with an out-swinger, headed away by Francis Coquelin and that will do us, go get a dry shirt on gents.

Header one... Olivier Giroud...

Header two... Laurent Koscielny...

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "You have got to look at Tim Howard. It's four yards out and he's come flapping for it. He has to be anticipating a cross like that. If he can't punch a ball that's a few yards of him you've got to ask questions."