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Calvert-Lewin hands Arsenal top four boost as Everton secure safety

mirror.co.uk, 20 May 2022, 06:23
Arsenal target Dominic Calvert-Lewin struck late to secure Everton's Premier League survival - just days before they face the Gunners in a pivotal season finale Arsenal chief Mikel Arteta needs to bag a result against his old side on Sunday

Dominic Calvert-Lewin handed Arsenal a major top-four boost by securing Everton's Premier League status with a dramatic last-gasp winner on Thursday night - leaving the Toffees with nothing to play for ahead of Sunday's season finale at the Emirates.

The Gunners head into the final weekend of the domestic season knowing that they need to bag a result against Frank Lampard's side in order to stand any chance of pinching the final Champions League spot. But any final day swing would require Tottenham - who are currently two points ahead of Arsenal in the table - to slip up at home to already relegated Norwich.

Although Mikel Arteta's side will still be relying on the Canaries for an unlikely favour on Sunday, their own crunch clash with the Toffees now has the potential to be a more straightforward affair after Everton secured their top-flight status in dramatic fashion, overhauling a two-goal deficit to seal a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace.

With the scores level, the stage was set for Calvert-Lewin to secure survival for the Toffees in the final few minutes. However, it wasn't all good news for Arsenal, as the 25-year-old appeared to drop a major hint over his future.

The striker - who has been plagued by injuries and fitness issues this term - has been persistently linked with a move away from Goodison Park, with Arsenal one of many teams who have reportedly expressed an interest in striking a summer deal for the England ace.

However, Calvert-Lewin spoke candidly on his future after bagging his dramatic late winner. And his comments - which included an acknowledgment of people questioning his commitment to the club - appeared to hint that the ex-Sheffield United man has no desire or plans to move on anytime soon.

Join the debate! Do you think Arsenal still have a chance of pipping Tottenham to the final Champions League spot? Let us know here.

Speaking after the dramatic finale at Goodison Park, Calvert-Lewin told Sky Sports: "What a rollercoaster football is some times. It is why we love the game and why the fans love it. Ideally we wouldn't be in the situation we have been but when it produces moments like that, to go from low to high, I'm not sure I'll sleep tonight.

"The way they have been welcoming us into the ground is unbelievable. Blue flares everywhere. They have made the difference. When we got the first goal they made the difference.

"I know some of the fans have questioned my commitment to the club, but I always try my best and I hope my goal shows that today."

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