MATCH CENTRE

Matchwinner Gray On 'Crazy' Goodison Moment

Demarai Gray says the “crazy moment” he blasted in Everton’s winning goal deep into stoppage-time against Arsenal qualifies as the highlight of the forward’s embryonic Blues career.

The game at Goodison Park on Monday was heading for a draw when Gray carried the ball infield to send a 20-yard shot screaming past Aaron Ramsdale and earn three points that propelled Everton up the Premier League table.

Gray, a summer purchase from Bayer Leverkusen, was instrumental in Everton’s 79th-minute equaliser, too.

He arced a shot onto the crossbar from long distance, Richarlison – who twice had goals ruled out following interventions from the VAR – heading home on the rebound to raise the volume inside an already rocking Goodison.

Everton fell behind to a strike from Martin Odegaard directly before half-time but were energetic, purposeful and adhesive and ultimately got full reward for a compelling effort across 90 minutes.

“It was a crazy moment, my best moment here so far,” said Gray of his decisive strike.

“It is a massive win. We have been waiting for that and needed it and, hopefully, it can give us a push and a bit of momentum.

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WATCH VIDEO 02:10

BENITEZ: WIN PROVED WHAT WE CAN DO TOGETHER

Everton manager praises Goodison fans after dramatic 2-1 victory over Arsenal.


“We had two disallowed goals and played very well; we were much better and more compact.

“We reacted well to going behind and stuck together and the fans were behind us from minute one to 90 and pushed us until the end.

“I said after the last game, I had a feeling the win was around the corner.

“As a group, we have gone through this bad patch, it has been tough but we are behind each other and stuck together.

“We are an experienced squad and with the fans like that, behind us for the whole game, the win was more than deserved.”

Everton climbed four places to 12th following Gray’s late, late show – moving within five points of their beaten opponents in seventh.

The victory drew a line under a difficult run when Everton were hit by a series of injuries and slipped down the table.

Manager Rafa Benitez is steadily welcoming back players, with Andre Gomes coming on against Arsenal to help inspire the turnaround following more than two months on the sidelines.

Gray, meanwhile, has started 14 of Everton’s 15 league games, adding two assists to his five goals.

Demarai Gray
We reacted well to going behind and stuck together and the fans were behind us from minute one to 90 and pushed us until the end.


The former Leicester City player is fast growing into one of his team’s key figures and has already filled all three positions behind the main striker.

Captain Seamus Coleman is consistently on at the Englishman to fulfil his talent, confided Gray, who has scored in successive fixtures.

“My confidence is high at the moment but it’s not only that, I believe in myself and believe in my ability,” said Gray.

“I have Seamus on me every day, pushing me and telling me to stay on it.

“I am working hard and improving and want to be the best player I can.

“I am enjoying it at this club, the fans have been great.  The manager and staff are good with me and give me the freedom to express myself.

“The lads have been brilliant since I came and I am happy to be at a club like Everton.

“It has been tough for the past few weeks but these are the nights we are here for.

“Although we’ve had a rough patch, I have been able to kick on and the most important thing was to get three points tonight.

“We will go game by game from here and try to build on this.”