Everton v Arsenal
With just a few games remaining in the English Premier League, Everton and Arsenal will battle it out this weekend in pursuit for a Champions League place. While Everton still remain an outside favourite for a top four position, Arsenal’s recent failings have changed that complexion somewhat, even more so given that the Toffees have a game in hand over the north Londoners.
Everton kept the pressure on Arsenal in the hunt for fourth place with a battling 3-1 win at Fulham on the weekend. After a goalless first half, an own goal by Fulham goalkeeper David Stockdale gave the toffees the lead. Fulham equalised, but Everton hit back with late goals from substitutes Kevin Mirallas and Steven Naismith. The win put Everton four points behind Arsenal with a game in hand, making this match a crucial six pointer. Their manager Roberto Martinez praised the team’s character in winning a fifth successive game as well as his own substitutions, which transformed the game after a tired-looking first-half display. A calf injury forced the in-form Ross Barkley out of Sunday’s victory. The midfielder was replaced at half-time by Naismith and it is still unknown whether he will make a return this weekend. Roberto Martinez has changed the Everton’s style of play, resulting in The Toffees playing more confidently, moving the ball around quicker and playing fast counter-attacking football. Romelu Lukaku leads the goal scoring charts for Everton with 12 strikes. The big Belgian holds up the ball excellently for Everton and will surely be a great threat for Arsenal’s defence – which has been shaky of late. The Evertonians have lost just one match at Goodison Park this season, winning 11 of their 15 home games and will fancy their chances here.
Manchester City missed the chance to move to the top of the Premier League as Arsenal fought back to earn a deserved point at Emirates Stadium. City looked on course for the win after taking an early lead, but Arsenal showed great resilience and commitment to claim a draw through Mathieu Flamini’s 53rd-minute equaliser. Arsenal, who collapsed in such abject fashion in the 6-0 defeat at Chelsea and then a 2-2 draw at home against Swansea, showed plenty of resolve this time although they were unable to test Joe Hart for most of the match. Arsenal played well in the second period and instead of falling out of the game, they got themselves a point. The Gunners have been unfortunate with injuries of late to key players Aaron Ramsey, Theo Walcott, Mesut Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Laurent Koscielny. However, one plus is that influential midfielder Abou Diaby has been in full training and could be fit to face Everton. Olivier Giroud has impressed and disappointed at different points this season. With the lack of support up front in terms of competition for places, Arsenal’s dependence on Giroud is obvious. But with a poor record against the top teams in the league, Giroud doesn’t look the answer for the Gunners and three goals in 22 matches against the current top seven confirms that. Arsenal have one of the better away records in the league, managing nine victories in 15 travels.
There is very little to separate the two sides here, although Everton’s record against the Gunners is far from great. They did manage a 1-1 draw in the reverse tie but looking at the last 21 league clashes since the advent of the Premier League, Everton have won just four times, drawing seven and losing the remaining ten – while Arsenal have recorded a convincing victory over them at the Emirates Stadium as recently as early March in the FA Cup. The away win is tipped.
