Big names missing as Everton v Arsenal match kicks off

Two of the Premiership’s biggest names were notable absentees as Everton and Arsenal kicked off their league campaigns at Goodison Park today.

Everton striker Wayne Rooney continues to recover from a foot injury sustained during the Euro 2004 Championships – while Arsenal captain Patrick Vieira, who on Friday spurned the advances of Real Madrid to remain with the Gunners, was out with a groin strain.

Dennis Bergkamp took over the captain’s armband for an Arsenal side in which 17-year-old Cesc Fabregas was handed his Premiership debut.

Everton boss David Moyes was without the services of one of his four new signings in Tim Cahill because the Australian at the Olympics – and of the other three only Marcus Bent was in the squad, but on the bench.

Everton:

Martyn, Pistone, Stubbs, Yobo, Naysmith, Osman, Gravesen, Carsley, Kilbane, Campbell, McFadden.

Subs: Wright, Watson, Bent, Ferguson, Hibbert.

Arsenal:

Lehmann, Lauren, Toure, Cygan, Cole, Ljungberg, Silva, Fabregas Soler, Reyes, Bergkamp, Henry.

Subs: Pires, Flamini, Pennant, Almunia, Hoyte.

Referee: M Riley (W Yorkshire)