Everton 2 Arsenal 1 - Full Match Report

Last updated : 20 October 2002 By Footymad Previewer

Wayne Rooney - aged just 16 - smashed home his first league goal to give Everton victory and put an unlikely end to Arsenal's 30-game unbeaten run.

The youngster found himself in space 25 yards out and launched a dipping shot that out-foxed troubled David Seaman and sent the Goodison Park crowd delirious.

It was a day for the record books as Rooney became Everton's and the Premiership's youngest ever goalscorer.

But aside form the magic of Rooney, the Toffees deserved their victory with an organised and stylish display.

Arsenal had drawn first blood within eight minutes thanks to an unlucky slip and sharp shooting from Freddie Ljungberg.

David Weir lost his footing in the penalty box as he was about to clear - giving Arsenal a chance, which they duly took.

Li Tie and David Unsworth failed to clear and French youngster Kolo Toure knocked the ball to Ljungberg who headed down and hard past Richard Wright.

But David Moyes has instilled a fighting spirit in his side and it did not take them long to get back into the game thanks to Tomasz Radzinski.

The Canadian striker started and finished a move in the 22nd minute with a quick free kick on the halfway line.

His one-two with Thomas Gravesen gave him space down the left wing and he crossed to Lee Carsley whose shot bounced off the post.

But Radzinski was in the right place at the right time and made space for himself before lashing the ball into the net from 15 yards.

After getting the equaliser the home side played like they believed they really could win the match and became more and more confident on the ball.

Radzinski's speed and Gravesen's aggression gave the visitors problem after problem and when the winner came it was no shock.

And in the dying moments of the game young Rooney went close again - audaciously lobbing Seaman with the outside of his foot.

The keeper was beaten but the ball ended up on the roof of the net.

Arsenal's manager Arsene Wenger paid tribute to young Rooney after the game.

"It was a special goal from a special talent - an English talent," he said.

"He has everything - he's intelligent, has quick reactions, is good at running with the ball and he's a natural in front of goal. He's a huge talent."