Hard fought win for the Gunners sees them keep pace with Manchester United
Everton took on Arsenal at the Emirates in a hard fought clash that ended 2-1 in favour of the home side.
Arsene Wenger made 7 changes to the side that won 2-1 against Huddersfield Town, in the FA Cup tie on the weekend. The Gunners lost their French talisman http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Samir-Nasri-c32360 due to a hamstring injury. The former Marseille attacking-midfielder had easily been their
most influential player in the build up to the game. Tomas Rosicky overcame illness and slotted in the injured number 8’s role on the left hand side of midfield while http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Andrei-Arshavin-c5771 was on the bench.
David Moyes opted for his signature 4–5–1 away formation that saw French left footed striker http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Louis-Saha-c22459 up on his own to lead the five man midfield. The two sides had drawn 12 times in recent history which further justified the defensive strategy – It’s
not easy keeping the Gunners quiet at the Emirates, let alone hearing the final time whistle with 3 points in the bag. Interestingly, past trends confirmed that the game was likely to see late goals – A total of 8 goals have been scored in the 89th
minute in recent history when Everton and Arsenal have locked horns.
While Arsenal dominated possession, as usual, Everton could be commended to take the game to the home side. The visitors opened the scoring against the run of play through Louis Saha in the first half. It was a rather controversial goal as the Everton number
9 was visibly off-side but not spotted by either the linesman or the referee. The goal stood and the Gunners had to chase the game from thereon in. It finished 0-1 to the visitors at half time.
Starting the 2nd half, Arsene Wenger’s men knew exactly how important getting 3 points on the night was. It was perhaps this urgency that translated into frustration as the North Londoners looked a touch dejected not being able to penetrate through
the Everton defence. The manager used all 3 of his substitutions and brought on Andrey Arshavin, http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Abou-Diaby-c3453 as part of an all out attack. The change worked instantly. In the 70th minute Arshavin’s run inside was picked by Cesc
Fabregas who looped a short pass over the Everton defence, the Russian made no mistake as he finished efficiently from a close range volley. 5 minutes later, an unmarked http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Robin-van-Persie-c31380 corner.
The Gunners managed to overcome the 1 goal deficit and were able to see out the rest of the game with their lead intact.
It was a vital win for Arsene Wenger and his team especially after Manchester United’s comfortable home win against Aston Villa that ended 3-1 on the night. Chelsea too were able to overcome a spirited Sunderland at the Stadium of Light with a well deserved
2-4 win. The gap between Manchester United and second placed Arsenal stays at 5 points with the Red Devils still to face off twice against http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/Chelsea-c38786 this season.
Arsenal’s grit is bound to be tested in the 14 games that remain in the Barclays Premier League this season. Will the Gunners be able to exhibit consistency beyond their trophy-less, post FA Cup 2005 reputation? Will Manchester United go on to end the season
still unbeaten? Will Chelsea’s January signings turn out to be the difference in the end? ... Or will the March 15 edition of the newspaper read 'Manchester City: The opportunists that were able to capitalize when the 3 old title rivals canceled each other
out'?
We’re indeed in store for a gripping end to the Domestic league in http://www.senore.com/Football-soccer/England-c749. Every game, every goal scored and every point earned, counts...
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