Day: March 2, 2023
Arsenal 4 Everton 0
Arsenal extended their lead at the top of the Premier League to five points as they thrashed struggling Everton at Emirates Stadium. Sean Dyche’s side, who remain in the relegation places, frustrated Arsenal until five minutes before half-time, when Oleksandr Zinchenko’s pass played in Bukayo Saka for a thumping finish. The contest was effectively over in first-half stoppage time when Saka robbed the dawdling Idrissa Gueye to play in Gabriel Martinelli. The flag went up for offside after he drove past Jordan Pickford but the decision was overturned after a VAR check.
Everton had no answers and Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard wrapped up their third successive league victory when he side-footed home Leandro Trossard’s cross after 71 minutes. It was now simply a question of how many Arsenal would score to improve their goal difference, Martinelli adding his second and the Gunners’ fourth from Eddie Nketiah’s cross ten minutes from time. Martinelli once again demonstrated his rich promise with two crisp finishes but Saka was the star of the show, giving a glorious illustration of his significance to this Arsenal side. He became the sixth-youngest player in Premier League history, at 21, to reach 50 goals and assists as he ensured the frustration that threatened Arsenal was wiped away in the crucial minutes before half-time.
Saka gave Pickford no chance when he lashed a powerful drive past the England goalkeeper at his near post, then his speed of thought and action robbed Gueye to play in Martinelli. It was game over after that. Arsenal played so fluently as Everton subsided, and in the final reckoning the scoreline could have been even more emphatic. The Gunners’ character and resilience was put to the test after the damaging home loss to nearest rivals Manchester City, but they have responded brilliantly with wins at Aston Villa and Leicester City, then this cruise against an Everton side in desperate trouble.
How To Survive A Long-haul International Flight
1. Book your tickets early.
This should go without saying. The earlier you book, the better your chances of scoring your favorite seat — it’s that simple.
2. Sit in the back.
Just in case you don’t have a favorite seat (or the ones in the front with all the legroom are taken), go for the back. It’ll be noisier, sure, but if everyone else is scrambling for the front, you’ve got a far better chance of ending up with an empty seat or two beside you. Before your flight, keep an eye on the seat map to see if there are any empty rows you can claim last minute.
3. Use those air miles to upgrade.
If you’ve got ’em, flaunt ’em. You’ll thank yourself when you’re reclining in a first-class seat, sipping Champagne and pretending to like caviar. And if you don’t have the miles, this is the time to splurge for a superior first- or business-class seat.
4. Prepare for jet lag.
There are several things you can do before your flight to help avoid jet lag, or at least mitigate it. Spend the days before your flight adjusting your sleep patterns (a few 4 a.m. or 7 p.m. bedtimes should do it, depending on what time of day you’ll be flying). You can also book your flight so that it arrives during the day, make the most of your stopovers, and, most importantly, be well rested before you fly. Trust us, staying awake for the 24 hours before your trip because you’re sure it’ll balance out once you arrive just doesn’t work.
5. Check in early.
The last thing you need before your long-haul journey is to panic your way through a busy airport — or to miss your flight.
6. De-stress before you arrive.
Have a nice breakfast. Go to the gym. Read a book. Go for a walk. It’s important to relax before you embark on your journey.
7. But do bring your own pillow.
A small pillow is a staple carry-on item for long-distance travelers. Almost every airport sells travel pillows, and looking a little ridiculous is a small price to pay for not destroying your neck.
8. Dress right.
Keep it loose and comfortable — you’re not here to impress anyone. Remember to bring layers for when it gets cold — a cardigan or sweatshirt is always good to have on hand.
9. Download some backup movies onto your tablet or laptop.
In-flight entertainment systems are not always reliable. They sometimes fail, and when they do, you’ll be glad to have something to do in reserve.
10. Charge those devices.
The absolute last thing you need is for your iPad to run out of juice one hour into an 11-hour flight. This is especially true if your in-flight entertainment system isn’t working.
11. Bring your own snacks, or buy some before boarding
One of the beauties of long-haul flights is how well you’re fed—often, at least two full meals and a mid-flight snack to curb your cravings are provided. But what about when the lights are out, flight attendants are nowhere to be found, and hunger pangs strike? What then? Be prepared with your own munchies and a bottle of water—especially if you’re the type that craves salt.
12. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Because planes are constantly replenishing cabin air with the air outside, the levels of humidity inside plane cabins are comparable to what you’d find in a desert—bone dry. The effects are two-fold: the extreme dryness dulls the skin, and, if not addressed, dehydration leads to worsened jet lag. It’s vital to drink plenty of water—approximately 8 ounces per hour, according to some experts.