Credit: Imago

Max Wilkins

Sun 15 March 2026 7:40, UK

Everton boss David Moyes was left stunned on the sidelines against Arsenal on Saturday.

The Toffees travelled to the Emirates for a Premier League clash, over 10 days since their last outing against Burnley.

It was a routine victory at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but it was anything but that in North London against the league leaders.

The Blues had their chances in the opening exchanges, but the quality in Mikel Arteta’s ranks eventually shone through as they snatched a 2-0 win.

That doesn’t take away from one moment when Everton failed to score in the clash against Arsenal, leaving Moyes totally bemused.

Riccardo Calafiori denied Everton early goal with stunning block

The away side certainly shad their chances in the early exchanges against the Gunners, to the point where it was a genuine surprise they hadn’t opened the scoring.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had an effort that was well saved by David Raya, representing one of the best in the first half.

A half-chance was nearly taken by Dwight McNeil when his curling effort smashed the post just seconds after he was denied by Riccardo Calafiori.

The Englishman had a near enough open goal to aim at, but somehow the Arsenal full-back flicked his legs up to keep the ball out.

Former Gunners man Alan Smith was blown away by the challenge, taking a closer look before revealing a superlative insight.

He said: “That’s poor luck, really. It’s a desperate challenge. He’s on the deck, and he flings his legs up in the hope of getting in the way, and he does just that, amazing.”

Anything Calafiori can do, Jordan Pickford did better against Arsenal in what was a pretty breathless first half against the league leaders.

David Moyes couldn’t believe early stages vs Arsenal

It’s safe to say that the feeling around the Emirates was mutual for Smith after Calafiori’s unorthodox block inside the penalty area.

Awe surrounded the home end in North London, but Moyes didn’t follow that opinion as his jaw nearly hit the floor.

Sky Sports commentator Seb Hutchinson noted the reaction of the Toffees boss after his side somehow didn’t open the scoring against the Gunners.

He added: “We’ll never know if Raya would have got there. All I know is, David Moyes’ reaction to that is that he can’t believe Everton aren’t in front.”