Kevin Whitcher
Let’s be fair, Arsenal have rode their luck a bit this season, and last night at Goodison it came undone. It was a close game that could have gone either way, but ultimately, the visitors left empty-handed because they were not strong or organised enough at the back for the two headers from which Everton scored. Would a fit Mustafi have made a difference? It’s irrelevant now.
The only change from the team that beat Stoke was that Bellerin started, due to Mustafi’s injury. Don’t change a winning team won out over rotation. Arsenal largely dominated the play in the early stages as Everton sat back and Sanchez deflected free kick gave them a lead. Things looked comfortable at that stage, but the sleeping beast had been aroused, and we saw a different side to Ronald Koeman’s starting eleven as the rest of the half developed, helped in no small way by a vociferous crowd. If only we could have such passion at the E******s…
The equaliser came before the interval as Theo Walcott was left for dead by Leighton Baines, whose cross was met by his fellow full-back Colman. He hadn’t been properly tracked and had a free header. Game on.
Arsenal should have taken the lead shortly after the re-start, when Sanchez set Ozil up on a plate. A player asking for the kind of wages the German’s agent will doubtless be trying to negotiate should have scored, but it proved a costly miss as it sailed over the crossbar. Still, even Lionel Messi misses the occasional easy chance.
By this time, it was turning into a long ball game, certainly for Everton, for whom Lukaku was immense, and at times, the Toffees’ pressing meant that Wenger’s team could not play it out from the back and had to hit the ball and hope. Olivier Giroud was brought on at the same time as Alex Iwobi for Theo and the Ox to try and fight fire with fire.
Everton won a late corner that TV later established, should have been a goal-kick. No matter, they should have dealt better with it, but physically, they were outmuscled as no-one put up any resistance to the onrushing Ashley Williams who converted with ease.
Arsenal didn’t give up. They threw the kitchen sink at it by replacing Coquelin with Perez for the concluding minutes, Phil Jagielka was sent off in injury time for a second yellow, Petr Cech made two forays into the Everton box and Iwobi cruelly had a shot cleared off the line. It could have ended 2-2, or 3-1 to the Koeman’s side at the death, but it remained 2-1.
Arsenal trooped off dejected, an opportunity spurned. They have certainly played worse and got something from the game on other occasions this season, and the passion shown by Everton was mystifying in the light of recent results, but playing capable teams when they are on such a run – especially at their place – is often a minefield. That it was a difficult game should not have been a surprise to anyone.
So, a difficult away trip. The thing is, Arsenal have not faced too many of these in the Premier League this season. Given they still have to go to Man City, Liverpool, Tottenham, Chelsea, Stoke and Southampton (six matches from which they took five points last season), the odds are against them. Chelsea, without any European distractions, are going to be difficult to beat, given how well they have performed since switching to Antonio Conte’s favoured three at the back formation. They won at the Etihad, something Arsenal really need to try and match if they are to have any illusions of maintaining a serious title challenge (given the fixtures ahead).
Looking at Arsenal’s commitments after the New Year, my eye is drawn to a sequence of matches in early March. Liverpool away, Bayern at home in the second leg of the Champions League and (if Arsenal have made it), an FA Cup Quarter Final. Within the space of a week, the season might have an all too familiar feel to it.
Could this year be any different? Arsene’s advocates will still maintain it can. Those that believe the club can never win another league title until Le Boss moves on will not be so optimistic. The club are employing the services of sports psychologist Dr Ceri Evans. I would imagine he will be needed between now and Sunday, as going into Christmas with a defeat at the Etihad could leave the Gunners nine points behind Chelsea. Not so much a case of Yo-ho-ho as Oh-no-no.
Of course, it is too early to write Arsenal’s chances off after a second defeat of the season. Chelsea might not win at Sunderland tonight, and might not win at the weekend when they visit Crystal Palace. Football isn’t that predictable. And Arsenal might respond and take three points at Manchester City. However, one thing I will predict. If Chelsea are nine points clear of the Gunners when we are opening our presents, Arsene Wenger won’t be lifting the Premier League trophy next May.
Let’s see what happens. Last night was a body blow, but it’s too early to say it’s terminal. It just has that feeling at the moment. In fairness Everton are undefeated at home in the Premier League this season, and Arsenal could have won this game, based on their performance. A draw was probably a fair result, but wins are more important. Two draws against Everton and Manchester City are of less use than a defeat and a win. Arsenal can afford to lose a few games if they can get shot of draws which are only worth a point. A run of wins is required, so we will reconvene after the weekend and see how the land is lying.
To finish a bit of housekeeping, and for anyone travelling to Munich for the first leg of the Champions League last 16 game, you might find this site handy.
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