Everton forward Iliman Ndiaye expressed satisfaction after scoring in his side’s 1-1 draw against Arsenal, describing the result as a “great point” for the team.
The Senegal striker, returning from a seven-week injury layoff, marked his comeback with a composed penalty to cancel out Arsenal’s opener and help Everton earn a valuable away result at the Emirates Stadium.
The hosts struck first in the 34th minute when Leandro Trossard found the net with a clinical finish after connecting with Raheem Sterling on the break.
The goal, which was Arsenal’s first shot on target, came in an opening half that saw limited clear chances for either side.
Everton responded almost immediately after the restart. Jack Harrison was brought down in the area by Myles Lewis-Skelly, earning the visitors a penalty.
Ndiaye stepped up and converted confidently to level the match.
“I think it’s a great point,” he said after the game. “We lost earlier this week and we needed to turn things around today and get a good result, which I think we did today.
“It felt great (to be back and get a goal). I wanted to give the penalty to Beto but I thought I had it in me to get on the scoresheet, so, yes, I’m happy and I’m really happy to be back.”
Ndiaye continued: “I think, obviously, we weren’t good enough in the first half but the manager came in the changing room and told us to change a few things. We wanted to come out and put everything into it, everyone to be at it to try to turn things around – and we did.”
