Arsenal v Everton; Premier League Match Preview

A win today would make Arsenal’s longest win streak of this season. In a a season of inconsistencies one of the most glaring is that the Gunners have failed to go on a winning run longer than 4 games. That can all change this evening should Arsenal see off potential Europe contenders, Everton.

Statistically, the trends favor Arsenal:

• Arsenal are unbeaten in their last 11 Premier League games against Everton (W8, D3) since a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park in March 2007 when Andrew Johnson scored a stoppage-time winner.
• The Gunners have more wins (26) and scored more goals (82) against Everton than they have against any other side in Premier League era.
• Arsenal have lost only one of their 20 Premier League home matches against Everton (W16, D3, L1). The Merseyside club’s only win at Arsenal in that period was when they came from behind for a 2-1 victory in January 1996.

(courtesy BBC)

The importance of a good start against David Moyes said can’t be understated. The lacklustre performance against Norwich tooka little of “the feel good” vibe out of the Arsenal faithfuls sails. But the fightback and subsequent 3 points has made up for that. We cannot have such a performance today.

Everton have shown themselves a capable side and a thorn in every big club’s side this season. Complacency, overlooking the opponent or whatever seems to cause the Gunners to approach a match without the urgency required could have hazardous effects on their top 4 desires. Something not lost on Bacary Sagna:

“We have to start well, we have to keep playing as we are at the moment, to keep looking forward and play the Arsenal way,” he told Arsenal Player.

“It will be a massive step forward [if we win] because we would play our last games with more confidence and in a good position. We know we have to win.

“We know we can put them away if we win against them and give ourselves a bit more breathing room.”

In the tie against Norwich, without Tomas Rosicky in the squad and Jack Wilshere not at his best, Arsenal resorted to their frustrating form of side to side and backwards football. This is what they do against teams that set up to defend. Moyes likely won’t put a big blue bus on the park but his teams do play good defense and it would behoove Arsenal not to get frustrated should the channels not open for them right away.

In the tie at Everton, Arsenal got off to the quick start with a Theo Walcott goal early in the match. However, the Gunners were still looking for ways to score and found it uneasy to get a second which would’ve put it away. And if you are a fair reviewer of the match you might be compelled to argue that Arsenal were indeed lucky to come out of the match with a draw, especially given a call that could have given a penalty to Everton.

Arsenal aren’t having a difficulty finding the back of the net anymore. They are scoring 2 to 3 goals per game now. They are finding ways to score and staying focused on not conceding ground. Arsenal have the second best attack in the league scoring 64 goals. Conincidentally, (and making may case for the poor form of the league overall) Arsenal for all their defensive issues now have the 4th best defense in the league only conceding 35 goals (ahead of them are only United, Chelsea and City.)

It certainly all sets up nicely for the Gunners. But what I am interested to see is what does Arsene Wenger do with the squad. Per Mertesacker is back after his suspension. He has been part of the renewed defensive strength Arsenal have shown. If he comes back in, does that relegate Thomas Vermaelen back to the bench. While he wasn’t stellar against Norwich, he wasn’t worrisome either. With the strength of the likes of Marouane Fellaini and Kevin Mirallas, you wonder where Wenger goes.

Also likely to come back in is Nacho Monreal. The Spainaird has been outstanding since singing from Malaga and not a knock on Gibbs, his calmness is needed in a game like this. Look for him to be the featured LB.

But of more interest has to be the attack. Nothing has been really wrong with it but you wonder if based on it’s inability to break down Norwich on Saturday if Arsene Wenger might shake things up. Gervinho looked frustratingly like his former ineffective self on Saturday and given how Theo Walcott helped change the dynamic on Saturday, I think the door is opened for the England international to push Gerinvho back to the bench.

Consequently, I also think a door has been opened for Lukas Podolski to start up front. Wenger was reather critical of Giroud’s first half performance on Saturday even though her turned around to say the frenchman had been integral to our second half fightback. He also went on to say he had been working with Podolski in training primarily as a central forward and why not. Even though he was used on the left Podolski really was dynamic coming on against Norwich. He is as clinical a finisher as we have right now, and with the goal he scored you just always get the feeling that if he has a chance for a shot he is either going to test the keeper or get a goal. Giroud has his plusses and minuses I just wonder if Wenger is giving strong consideration to this change.

Other changes likely to happen are giving Jack Wilshere a rest on the bench for Tomas Rosicky and Szczesny back in for Fabianksi who it is being reported took a knock to the ribs on Saturday. Regardless of the changes, there are options for Wenger. Something that this team hasn’t had for a long time. And no, there aren’t any world class game changers to call on but there are players of quality who have been quite good in recent weeks.

There is more than enough to do it against a very determined Everton side. Of course the question remains – will they?

Players to Watch:

Arsenal. Lukas Podolski. Either as a sub or a starter he has the ability to make keepers hands hurt and the back of the net scorch with his rifle shot. The question is can he sustain a full 90 minute game with a strong work ethic. If he can, you have to like Arsenal’s chances.

Everton. Kevin Mirallas. It was widely reported that the Belgian forward would sign for Arsenal before he landed at Everton. Based on his performances to date you can see why. He is essential to Everton’s success. Arsenal have to keep him at bay as well the fro to get a good result against the Toffees.

Probable Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal:  Diaby (knee)

Everton: Hibbert (match fitness)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal: Cazorla 12

Everton: Fellaini 11

Assists Leaders:
Arsenal: Walcott 10

Everton: Fellaini 5, Baines 5, Pienaar 5

Last Meeting (EPL):
Arsenal: 1

Everton: 1

Goals For:
Arsenal (home): 2.6

Everton (away): 1.4

Goals Against:
Arsenal (home): 1.3

Everton (away): 1.3

Last Five:
Arsenal: WWWWL

Everton: WDWWW

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 29

Everton: 14

Match Official:
Referee: Mike Jones. Matches: 19. R2 Y64. 4Pk

Broadcast Information:
US: Fox Soccer Channel: 2:30PM

UK: Sky Sports 2 – 19.45 GMT

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Everton: 2