As the dust settles on a truly intriguing Premier League spectacle, Arsenal sit 5 points clear at the top of the Premier League table. This means the Gunners have extended the gap between the chasing pack, but this does not justify the mood of many Arsenal fans this Sunday evening. The potential for the gap to have been 7 points at full time after Mesut Özil’s calm 80th minute strike is the reason for the sense of frustration felt by the supporters.
A Frustrating Draw
After surviving an impressive barrage of Everton pressure in the first half (who showed more energy and out-passed the men in red and white), it felt like one of those games that champions win when the German maestro found the net late on.
The clichéd phrase ‘champions win even when they are not at their best’ seemed to ring true, until Gerard Deulofeu smashed in an equaliser just four minutes later.
In terms of the match itself, a draw was probably a fair result as both teams had good chances to win, as their attacking forces probed for goals in a mesmerising battle of two of the best teams in the Premier League this season.
However, the overriding sense of frustration remains within the Arsenal camp, as a daunting schedule looms against the likes of Manchester City (A), Chelsea (H) and Newcastle (A). These matches promise to be very difficult games to claim maximum points in. Some will argue this match was the best opportunity for the reds to take all three points.
Room for Optimism?
But Arsenal fans should not despair, as they haven’t lost any ground at the top of the league, and have good reason to remain optimistic. Those who overlooked Everton will have been reminded that they are not where they are by fluke, and will persist to challenge the supposed ‘big boys’ all season.
Also, despite the difficult schedule approaching, Arsenal have plenty of options, as proven by Wenger’s triple substitution today, as the likes of Walcott, Rosicky and Flamini are strong options to come off the bench.
In particular Theo Walcott seems to be returning at the perfect time, as he will claim an assist for Özil’s goal, and is an obvious threat for opposition teams with his pace.
With scope to rest players’ midweek in Naples and Manchester City travelling to Munich, the Saturday face off with the blue side of Manchester side seems less daunting.
Also, as Stoke revealed yesterday, Chelsea’s defence is leaky, conceding 6 in just two games, which is something Arsenal’s attackers will be looking to expose further in the all-London meeting on December 23.
So, this result must be taken on the chin for Arsenal, as they could easily have lost this game against a top quality Everton side. Again, the gunners proved their huge defensive improvements during the first half as the whole back four looked disciplined and dealt with the threats of Lukaku, Barkley and Mirallas well.
In fact the only real moment where the defence seemed ill-disciplined was during the Everton goal. If any defence can stop Manchester City scoring it has to be this one.
An Off Day for Arsenal’s Attackers
It never really fully clicked in attack for Arsenal today, bar a few classy moves near the end of the first half, but this is inevitability during the course of a season.
Previously we have seen the gunners lack fluidity at West Brom and Manchester United (both on a Sunday along with today’s game, is this a coincidence or not?). But to have only lost one of these three mentioned games is a good sign that this side can still get a least a point when not at their best.
The target for the future must be to turn these draws into backs-against-the-wall victories when the attack isn’t at its free-flowing best.
Final Thought
It must be mentioned that Olivier Giroud is a very unlucky man. With virtually the last kick of the game he sent an incredible half-volley soaring towards the net, only for it to crash onto Tim Howard’s bar.
Let’s hope that these few inches will not be rued come the end of the season.
Keep the faith, up the Arsenal.
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