Everton created the better of the chances during the opening 45 minutes, but it was Arsenal that took the lead through a scrappy goal from Swedish international Freddie Ljungberg. Arsenal pressed, their artistry glinting in flashes, but Everton stayed strong and resolute. Radzinski, exhausted from his relentless running, made way for Rooney, the latest great hope of the Everton academy. Each time Rooney touched the ball, Goodison rose to its feet. Rooney, with one strike, had claimed his first league goal for the club and sealed his name in the folklore of Goodison Park.