Peter Hughes
When we played Liverpool recently we were at the top of our game. Liverpool were under par and we came out on top looking impressive. Everton on Sunday played at the absolute maximum of their ability and whilst we were not on top form we were only a shade below it. They decided to attack us believing that if they sat back they would probably lose.
Teams realise if they sit back we have the quality to beat them and they will lose. All credit to them but for all that first half hour possession we remained resilient and barely threatened. Didn't that used to be us - all possession great football but little threat?
Everton also played a physical game breaking up our play when we were in possession not always legally. Our defence looked solid throughout and we no longer buckle when faced with a physical threat. At long last we seem to be able to combat this and in fact created the better chances throughout the game.
It is easy to be disappointed and feel frustrated but it was an exceptional goal that won Everton a point. It wasn't down to the team not being able to withstand a barrage of pressure or a defensive mistake that cost us. Sometimes you just have to accept the other team played bloody well and deserved a draw, galling though it is.
Yes, Everton were certainly on performance the best team we have faced this season but I doubt they can maintain that standard all season. That is another thing you need to combat. When you are top everyone tries that bit harder to gain your prized scalp.
There is no doubt that players need to be rotated but it does leave some doubt about who our best eleven are. Most would probably think Flamini should be ahead of Arteta, but it would seem the manager does not agree. Overall the manager has the knowledge of any injuries being carried and how players perform on the training ground but I would expect to see Flamini in that defensive midfield role.
We increased our lead at the top by one point. It may not be what everyone wants to hear but it was more important not to lose. Everton playing the way they did would have beaten us easily in the last few seasons. I think there were more positives to be gained from the game. If Giroud's last second strike had gone in the majority of comments would have been different.
We can barely pause for breath with the next three games testing us further. It is understandable that the team seems to have to pass a test almost every game after the false dawns of the last nine years. I would go as far to say they are the best group of players we have had since 2005. It is far too early to say we will win the league but we are top by five points and only once have we had more points during the Wenger years after fifteen games.
