Match Preview: Arsenal v Everton; Premier League Match Day 29

Let’s get right to it shall we. Two teams both in a good run of form. Arsenal have won 5 in a row, 4 in a row coming from behind. Everton, they are losers of just 1 in their last 11. They’ve been particularly solid at home having taken scalps off of Manchester City, Chelsea, and Spurs. All in all anyone expecting this tie to be a cake walk for Arsenal surely doesn’t watch a lot of football.

Both teams are really going to like their chances in this one. For Arsenal how can you not be feeling that way. The players are riding a wave momentum that is carrying them from match to match. They should never be counted out of a match even if they are down. They are finding ways, sometimes late in matches to find an equalizer or a winner.

And it isn’t just one man as the press and opposition supporters would have you believe. Surely, Robin Van Persie is the leading candidate for player of the year and the golden boot. And it is almost too easy for him to score these days. But the commitment level to win and not settle for anything but a full effort is a team wide phenomenom.

You only need look at the video of the final goal against Newcastle last week to see what I mean. Arsenal fans when we want to find something to complain about will quickly point out that the effort to get forward is lacking and ultimately we just don’t have people in the box to latch on to crosses or anything like that. Well, against Newcastle, with the visitors having the ball deep in the Arsenal end, the Gunners won the ball and as a team moved the ball forward with Song feeding Walcott for the cross that would eventually find its way home courtesy of Thomas Vermaelen’s right foot.

But that example doesn’t really do it the team justice. Look at the team’s total commitment to pressing for instance. We are still years away of doing it with perfection the way Barcelona does, but we do it in a way that suits our needs and is one of the biggest reasons we are winning. That doesn’t work if its one man. It takes a total team effort. A team that believes in itself and in each other. If they do that and stay that way they will win more than not.

The journey to the end and towards securing Champion’s League football is in their own hands. From here on till the end of the season, there is noone but the Arsenal players themselves that can dictate the final outcome. Fail to continue with the focus and desire we have seen these last three weeks and then the final standings of the team aren’t down to anything but a failure to follow through. However, if as I think they will, they stay committed and focused then what in January looked like a long shot, third place, will be reality.

Sure, third place doesn’t have a trophy tied to it. Or maybe it does, maybe this year’s trophy is the Robin van Persie sweepstakes. That seems prize enough for me. But really, given the horrendous start to the season, the absolute rock bottom of January’s league form, the Champion’s League and FA Cup flame outs, and a team that has had 39 different players start for it this season, is 3rd place such a bad thing to achieve right now. We can tackle other such issues in the off season. Given all that has happened, I’d be happy with third.

But there is the tiny case of Everton. They are not a puff team. Sure, they haven’t lost in 11. But their form is up and down. Spurs were mighty unlucky and if they actually had a finisher on the pitch the outcome might have been different. Arsenal cannot overlook this squad and they need to take the same approach with Everton as they did with all their recent ties – total commitment and nothing else.

How the match should play out.

Arsenal is are going to meet an Everton team that is slightly stronger then the one they met back in December. They will likely use the pace and creativity of Leighton Baines to be their lynchpin in attacking Arsenal. Everton are not prone to attack teams through the middle they lack the creativity in that department to do so. They had a lot joy against Arsenal down the flanks in the previous matchup but never converted. The good thing for Arsenal is that in this matchup, all the fullbacks will be playing. So it may be more of subdued attack. Still though look for Baines to be the main source of attack looking to get a ball to new boy Jelavic. For Arsenal they’ll likely be able to keep Baines somewhat honest as they look to spearhead their attack through Walcott. Over 35% of Arsenal’s attacks have started from his side with 33% coming from the middle. Arsenal have speed and guile in the squad now and if the ball finds the foot of Van Persie its better than even money it will find the back of the net.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal. Mikel Arteta.  It is the second time he faces off against his old squad. It will however be his first time back at Goodison Park since last summer’s transfer.

Everton. Nikicia Jelavic.  Has given the Toffees the punch up front they’ve been lacking.

Probable Lineups:

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Coquelin (hamstring)  Frimpong (knee) Mertesacker (ankle) Wilshere (ankle)

Everton: Gibson (knee)

Leading Scorers:
Arsenal:  Van Persie 26

Everton: Osman 3

Last Meeting (EPL):

Arsenal: 1

Everton: 0

Goals For:
Arsenal (away): 1.9

Everton (for): 1.1

Goals Against:
Arsenal (away): 1.9

Everton: (home): 0.9

Last Five:
Arsenal: WWWWW

Everton: LWDWD

Goal Difference:
Arsenal: 18

Everton: -3

Match Official:
Referee:  Lee Mason (Matches 17, R0 Y46)

Broadcast Information:
US: FoxSoccer.TV 4:00 PM EST

UK: ????? 2000 GMT

GAMEDAY CHAT: It’s Open!!!!!!

www.youaremyarsenal.com/gamedaychat

YAMA Prediction:
Arsenal: 2

Everton: 1