Arsenal were poor for the majority of last nights proceedings. After falling behind to a questionable goal, the product of collaboration between Lee Mason (the ref) and Everton's Louis Saha, the gunners floated aimlessly in a turbulent sea.
Arsene Wenger's men were behind on the score sheet and uncharacteristically adrift in the possession stakes. Fabregas failed to get on the ball thanks to Felliani and co. Theo made his trademark dashes into the box but failed to convert any opportunities. His blistering pace was evident as it always has been, but this was a night for cool heads and worryingly for Arsenal none were forthcoming. The vast Emirates pitch seemed to shrink by the minute as we were constantly hounded by the men in blue. Thomas "sick note" Rosicky signalled his presence on the pitch with a yellow card, his number in the ref's book was the sole indicator that he actually took to the field. The performance itself was cause for concern but as Alex Song began to hobble an imminent cloud of despair threatened to settle. The half time whistle sounded as the players sauntered off to a chorus of "1-0 to the referee". Putting the dubious nature of Saha's goal aside, we were behind at home to an extremely competitive and increasingly stubborn Everton outfit.
The second half brought with it confirmation of my fears Song has picked up a knock, given the broad label of a 'thigh injury'. Just ask those connected with Newcastle and Andy Carroll's bar room antics to discover how costly they can be. I couldn't help but envisage last seasons saga revisited, with both Nasri, Song and to a lesser extent Denilson on the treatment table. Robbed of our pivotal players at the most crucial of junctures. The gates of the Camp Nou loom, not a place to visit with a weakened contingent, just ask the class of 2009/10. Diaby replaced the injured Song and made the most of an unfortunate situation, I felt that he performed well bringing with him a much needed physically imposing presence. The Frenchman is tall, strong and willing to run his socks off, the comparisons to Viera are understandable but I feel that the best of Diaby will come further up the pitch. However, in Song's absence he will fill the hole in front of our back four for the time being. Despite Diaby's hustle and bustle our woeful show continued. We were toothless in attack and looked increasingly fragile in defence. Having conceded a higher percentage of goals from set pieces than any other club, one couldn't help but hold one's breath every time Everton had a corner. The need for a physically dominant center back is disturbingly evident, Arsene's lack of movement in the transfer window makes that need all the more disturbing. Everton stamped their authority on the game with the likes of Fellaini, Arteta and Rodwell at their snapping, snarling and at times savage best. Arsenal allowed them to thrive, for the majority of the match we attempted to play Everton at their own game and lost.
We couldn't match the brutes in blue physically and should never have attempted to do so. Fabregas and Wilshere were dwarfed by Fellaini who revelled in sticking his boot in at will. There was a lack of any form of meaningful exchange between the midfield and attack. As time continued to pass at its unrelenting pace, the lights of our title charge began to dim. With 65 minutes on the clock, Arsenal had 25 minutes to secure their place in the battle for top honours. On came Andrey Arshavin for the tepid Thomas Rosicky, the composure that the little Russian brought with him was a welcome tonic. Given his impressive display against Huddersfield on Saturday, I was surprised that he didn't start. The attacking threat that Arshavin posed had an undeniable impact on the game, his positioning is at times breathtaking so much so that defenders are put on the back foot constantly. Bendtner came on to join Arshavin and the pair impressed as they did on Saturday, promise can be found in this little and large double act.
After a period of largely disjointed play, a chip into the box from Fabregas was helped on by Everton's Rodwell the ball fell invitingly for Arshavin, instead of lashing at the ball compulsively the Russian composed himself waited for it to drop and volleyed home. Had the ball fallen to an explosive but less experienced Walcott I genuinely fear that the scoreline would have remained 1-0. I am not proposing that Arshavin is the perfect footballer, his flaws have been the subject of the media's attention for months. He can be lazy, absent at times and something of a damp firework. Yet, with all his flaws Arshavin is a complete footballer. At the age of 29 and able to draw on a wealth of experience for both club and country, a match winner with an eye for the big stage. For all of his promise and raw talent Walcott isn't a complete footballer, I have no doubt that he will reach the hallowed halls of greatness, he has the potential to surpass some of the best, but he's not there yet. Arshavin came back from the wilderness last night to remind us of what he offers, composure, a clinical edge and a cool head when it was needed the most.
The waves of relief that echoed around the Emirates were heartfelt as the gunners began to come out and play the football that we expect of them. Clichy was the embodiment of pace and efficiency, Theo began to razzle and dazzle his way into the Everton area his run ended shamelessly by Osman. R.V.P loaded his left sided cannon for the free kick with great anticipation, forcing Howard to parry for a corner. The Dutchman's left boot provided a fiercely driven corner met by Koscielny in acres of space. As the Everton net bulged for the second time the toffees reeled, punch drunk, the tide had turned. Sagna was his usual solid self as our defence managed to repel a muscular trio of Saha, Fellaini and substitute Victor Anichebe. Clichy could have put the result beyond doubt after an impressive raid deep in the Everton box. The full back erred in electing to pull the ball back instead of taking the shot on himself, a goal would have been a just reward for the Frenchman's efforts.
Ultimately we held our nerve to take a vital three points from a dogged and determined Everton. Character rather than class highlighted the performance. As it stands Arsenal still cling to the coat tails of a rampant united. Ferguson's charges will need to falter if the title is to rest on our mantelpiece, they must face Chelsea twice. Lets hope a double barreled shotgun of Drogba and Torres can do some damage. The heir to Chelsea's throne will have to be willing to grind out the wins amidst adversity, as we proved we are willing to do. A trip to face Newcastle at St James' on Saturday will provide yet another bruising encounter. Cometh the man, Cometh the hour. The man last night was a diminutive saviour in the form of Andrey Arshavin. Come on you Gunners !.
