MATCH PREVIEW: Arsenal v Everton; More of the Same Please

After the last few weeks we’ve had as a team, you’d be hard-pressed to find anyone who’s not looking at Arsenal with a positive outlook. We’ve dismantled United, gone through Watford, and turned in a Champions League win against arguably Europe’s form side in Bayern Munich. The team and supporters have every right to be ebullient.

Someone needs to explain to me then why I look at this Everton match with a sense of dread? Is it because in the past when everything suddenly seems to be rosy, a colossal cluster BLEEP occurs? Is it because history shows that when Arsenal have a chance to build on gains and actually do something – they don’t? It’s all that and then some.

I still believe that Arsenal possess a squad that can challenge for the title as it is currently constructed. That is one reason why I didn’t get worked up in the close of the summer transfer window. At some point, you have to stick with what you have and trust your instincts that it’s going to work. If it doesn’t, of course, there is hell to pay, but right now Wenger has shown he is firm in his belief in the team he has now as they march up to challenge for the Premier League title.

Still – there is that old sense of foreboding that something bad could be lurking just around the corner. Maybe the injury to Ramsey has brought it on. While many don’t appreciate why he is shunted out to the right – it has balanced the team and they look solid throughout. Will his removal from the side upset that delicate balance?

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is the logical replacement for Ramsey on the right. If Theo Walcott starts up top, it then gives Arsenal unprecedented pace in their front 3. The problem with Chamberlain is he still comes across as a one-trick pony. I don’t mean to sound harsh, but the lad is still learning his trade. For all his powerful engine going forward and raw talent, he still hasn’t convinced that he knows how to beat a player with finesse and footwork when the situation requires it. If he has to beat a player with speed, hands down, no question, he can do it. If he’s required to face up to the opposition and beat them 1v1, I’m less than convinced.

Everton for their part looked dreadful against United last week. It was as woeful a performance that you can remember seeing from the Toffees. Historically, Everton have not done well against Arsenal in London. But this is an improved side, and they have managed to make it interesting in the last few years. Who can forget two years ago at Goodison Park, when Martinez shunted Lukaku out wide to allow him to run inside to devastating effect?

The point is they are a well-coached team with talent that if on form can hurt us.

Against United, Arsenal came at them with speed and control. A similar approach is going to be needed against a defense that has a lot of injuries but boasts one of the best young CBs in the league. John Stones is a bright rising star and won’t be easy to play against, but Arsenal’s speed could be problematic against a big defense set up to be strong – not nimble.

The key for Arsenal will again be how its in form players perform. Every pre-game analysis highlights Alexis’ form and the form of the players around him. They have to continue that trend, and while there may be tired legs from their performance on Tuesday, they have to soldier through it and put another solid performance in.

Sanchez coming in against Seamus Coleman is the obvious focal point of the attack. With the Chilean “up for it,” he has gotten comfortable cutting back in and taking chances. As evidenced against United, they go in. When they don’t, they at least force the keeper to make a save.

Additionally, with Özil, Santi and Coquelin in form, Arsenal have every opportunity to control the midfield, especially if Gareth Barry deputizes for Everton in the middle. The once imposing English midfielder is still solid, but he doesn’t have the legs or the guile to be that effective against Arsenal’s biggest strength. Don’t believe me? Ask Bastian Schweinsteiger how he fared against that midfield? He was chasing ghosts all day long. When he tried to pressure Santi, Cazorla released the ball back to Mertsacker creating space for himself and forcing Schweinie to chase the ball and/or Santi – tiring the German international out.

Everyone is talking about what a win would mean. Some pieces this week seemed surprised by the form of Arsenal. However, all this was evidenced in the run from January to May. Arsenal have grown as a group of players. They play collectively for each other. That had to take time, and they’ve now settled into a cohesive unit. It is one of the reasons I believe Wenger doesn’t change much in league play – he is preserving the consistency and trust that has developed on the pitch.

It really shouldn’t surprise anyone Arsenal are doing as well as they are. The players we have are good. They can do damage in this league. This matchup, though, is one that if not approached right could throw a wrench into all of that.

Players to Watch:
Arsenal: Alexis Sanchez (baby.) Is there a better forward in England right now? He is dynamic and energetic – when you think he needs a rest he turns in another herculean performance. As he goes so does Arsenal.

Everton: Ross Barkley. A player that is praised up and down the country. Getting his chance and taking it. Question is as his stock rises, can Everton keep hold of him?

Probable Lineups:

Yes we know typo – John Stones is #5 not #26 (click to enlarge)

Injuries and Suspensions:
Arsenal: Wilshere (calf), Welbeck (knee), Rosicky (knee) Ramsey (hamstring), Ospina (shoulder), Arteta (ankle)
Everton: Besic (hamstring), Cleverly (ankle), Baines (ankle), Hibbert (knee), Pienaar (hamstring)

Match Officials:
Referee: Lee Mason (3M, 9Y, 0R)
Assistant Referees: S Beck, A Garratt
Fourth Official: A Taylor

Broadcast Information:
UK: Sky Sports 1, 17.30 GMT
US: NBC Network 12:30 PM ET

Prediction:
Arsenal 2 – 0 Everton – I’m worried, just not that worried

Match Facts: (Courtesy FourFourTwo.com via Opta Sports)