My Reactions After - Arsenal vs Everton (EPL)

Our boys faced their second big wave of heavyweights, beginning with the game against the other team from Merseyside. Though nicknamed Toffees, Everton were anything but sweet and were playing probably their strongest side in recent years. We started the game with a 4 point lead over second placed Liverpool and a win would have further increased the gap to 7 points.

Though the game ended as a 1-1 draw, it was a pulsating high-tempo affair. It was a game that brought the best of the centre-halves of both the teams, keeping the opponent strikers at bay from almost every attack they faced. Though both the teams had a fair number of chances to go on and claim full 3 points, a draw seemed the fair result and we went 5 points clear of Liverpool.

GOALS: (Arsenal 1-1 Everton)

Ozil's goal: Around 80^th minute mark Rosicky put in a cross from left wing which was well headed by Walcott across the goal. Giroud took a shot and missed it completely which was a blessing in disguise for two reasons. Had he made any contact, the ball would have definitely landed in the stands,  and second it fell into the path of Ozil who was unmarked behind Giroud. Ozil provided us with the much needed breakthrough by promptly putting the ball into back of the net.  1-0 to the Arsenal, courtesy our number 11.

Deulofeu’s goal: Delofeu was introduced late in the game and what an impact he made! He  got the ball on the right side of the box and smashed it on to the top of the net at the 84^th minute to make it 1-1. Though 3 of our defenders were tracking him, none closed him down, and this momentary lapse of concentration provided him enough time to blast the ball past Szczesny. 

Talking points:

The effects of having played non stop seems to have taken its toll on Ramsey. His movement was slow,his passes were astray and positioning was bad at times. This is definitely not something that you would want your best player to experience and the lad needs some rest (Rotate AW!). Santi Claus hasn't shown any signs of his old-self yet and he needs to starts delivering his christmas gifts. He is a vital cog for us and let's hope he starts delivering them from the Chelsea game (right before Christmas ;)). Wilshere was sleepwalking when he did not have the ball and looked lost when he did. His passes were sloppy and looks like he needs another round of hairdryer from the boss. C'mon Jack, you are definitely better than that! Gibbs should have closed Deulofeu down better and is partly to blame for that goal, but like I said earlier a draw was a fair result.

Though our midfield was not up to the mark, the biggest positive from the game was the Mertescielny partnership who did a great job. The fullbacks did a good job and Jenko tried his best to fill in for Bac-man, but those are some big shoes to fill and the young man has a long way to go. Lot of ifs, for all those chances went missing but, nothing to get bogged down though. All in all, a great team performance and good contribution from our substitutes too.

Looking Ahead:

With Prince Poldi coming back, our bench looks even stronger giving Wenger a lot of options for attack. This wave is a test of endurance, facing 3 strong teams in a span of 7 days and Poldi's Mjolnir will play a huge role in supplanting the tired legs. We should keep the momentum going with the same concentration level or even higher, if possible. A vast improvement in defence and maturity is a good sign. Hope we put off a similar show against the big sides in coming days.