Kevin Whitcher
The mood after yesterday’s draw with Everton as the fans left the stadium was downcast. This was always going to be a difficult fixture, and in recent seasons games between these two sides have often been close, even when neither were credible title contenders. And I think after yesterday’s match, one at the very least has to consider Everton as a team that can take a top four place come the season’s end. The fact that only one other side has managed to defeat them in the league this season – that being Manchester City at home – tells us that they have become harder to beat since David Moyes’ departure. That they are only fifth is due to the large number of games they have drawn.
The first half was a tight affair and Arsenal struggled to appear anything above the ordinary. Players that have looked good all season lacked zip and the quality in their passing. Whether this was down to fatigue (The Gunners have played seven more matches than their opponents due to their European commitments) or Everton’s well organised harrying can’t be certain. It was likely a mixture of both. The manager has rotated, but certain players have not had much of a break. Arteta and Ramsey started in central midfield and neither had particularly good games. It was a day that required a lot of work from the trio of Ozil, Cazorla and Wilshere, but the first two did not seem as industrious as was required. The consequence was that Everton seemed to be in control for a fairly large portion of the opening 45 minutes.
However, as half time drew close, Arsenal seemed to wake up and created danger to give some hope with a couple of good chances. This continued with the opening of the second half and the game improved as a spectacle. But the breakthrough would not come, and Everton were looking dangerous on the counter attack. Szczesny pulled off a wonder save with his feet to deny Lukaku (or maybe Mirallas – I haven’t seen any highlights yet), advancing from his goalmouth with great anticipation.
Arsène Wenger made a triple substitution after 70 minutes, with Walcott, Rosicky and Flamini coming on and the tempo was lifted. Ramsey, Wilshere and Cazorla made way. Eventually the pressure told, with Ozil finding the net after good work by Rosicky and Walcott. It was a moment of pure relief and the crowd celebrated wildly. Fair play to Everton for coming straight back though, with a quality goal only four minutes later. There are perhaps valid questions as to why two Everton players were free behind Kieran Gibbs, but the strike was a fantastic one, which punctured the atmosphere at the stadium. Olivier Giroud almost scored a wonder goal from distance late in injury time but it was not to be.
The general conclusion was that it was a fair result. A game Arsenal could have won, but equally, could have lost, given the chances at both ends and the quality of the opposition. If the team is to succeed come May, there will be more dropped points to come. However, it is about remaining consistent in good habits and ensuring that games that should be won do see three points taken and that just enough tighter games like yesterday’s are converted into narrow wins. Arsenal are still five points clear, but how they negotiate December could prove critical. Everton was the first of three huge matches in seven days. The opposition does not get any easier. Against Napoli, the players will be aware they have to kill the game and not give the Italian side any sense of encouragement.
Flamini will surely start that match and it would be negligent to leave him out at Eastlands next weekend. Against Everton, he might have assisted Kieran Gibbs a bit more than Arteta, although arguably, that was Cazorla’s job. However, when all is said and done, Everton scored when Flamini was on the pitch, so conclusions are not always that simple. For this observer though, he should be an automatic starter. The reality is that Arsenal can afford a narrow defeat on Wednesday night and I think everyone would be happy to take a point away from Manchester next weekend. That Chelsea and Manchester City both dropped points on Saturday shows that you cannot assume anyone is going to win on their travels anymore, but Arsenal’s ability to win on the road is what has given them the five point cushion they now enjoy.
Saturday’s results meant they could afford to draw yesterday. It was a disappointment, not to take full advantage of others’ slips, but few who watched the game could complain about the result. Everton version 2013-14 are a tough nut to crack.
The current issue of The Gooner will be on sale at the home matches against Chelsea, Cardiff and Spurs. It can also be bought online here.
DIGITAL ISSUES
The Gooner is also available in digital form, through The Gooner App on iPhones and iPads, the Exactly App for Android devices and now Kindle Fire owners can also get their fix by searching the Amazon App Store for The Gooner.
You can also subscribe at www.exacteditions.com and read it through your internet browser as well as receiving a code which will enable you to access issues on all the above devices.
All digital subscriptions include access to our digital back issue library which dates back to August 2010.
