Steven Naismith, Romelu Lukaku Connected For Gorgeous (Possibly Offside) Goal vs. Arsenal

Everton pulled off its best Barcelona impression today in the first half vs. Arsenal, stringing together a nice series of passes to score this excellent team goal vs. Arsenal. The goal finished off by Steven Naismith put the Toffees ahead 2-0 before halftime.

Everton bought Lukaku from Chelsea for $46 million this summer to score goals. If he’s running over defenders — in this case Per Mertesacker and Calum Chambers — and making 40 yard runs to set up teammates with Xavi-like precision, all the better.

Yes, Naismith was probably offside, as replays showed. The lineman’s flag stayed down, so it’s a moot point. Everton fans aren’t going to care.

Should Everton hold on to win, it’s going to make for a very nervy Emirates Stadium come Wednesday when Arsenal plays the second leg of its Champions League qualifier with Turkish club Beşiktaş. The first leg finished 0-0 earlier this week in Istanbul.

UPDATE — Arsenal came back to earn a 2-2 draw thanks to goals from Aaron Ramsey and Olivier Giroud.