STATS: Everton vs Arsenal

Everton vs Arsenal

Arsenal will be confident ahead of their trip to Goodison Park. The Gunners displayed great resilience and commitment to stay in the match last weekend following David Silva’s goal after 18 minutes and eventually drew level just after 50 minutes with a goal from Flamini. Arsenal could have even won the tie when Podolski looked certain to score only to be denied by Joe Hart’s legs.

Arsene Wenger will be proud of his side’s resilient and determined demonstration against City last weekend. Despite the early goal, Arsenal did not look like they would capitulate as they had done against Liverpool and Chelsea, but successfully contained City’s numerous attacking threats and pushed for an equaliser. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Indes shows that Arsenal skipper Per Mertesacker led the way in defense with 13 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks, interceptions) bringing his total this season to 315.

Santiago Carzola posed a constant threat in attack and demonstrated his impressive creative ability. The Spaniard made 57 attacking contributions last weekend and has a season total of 1167, the highest at the club.

Olivier Giroud is Arsenal’s top scorer this season in the Premier League with 13 goals to his name. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the French international has a shot accuracy of 40.3%; finding the target 29 times out of a possible 72 shots so far this season.

Everton’s dream of European football next season looks as if it will soon become a reality if the Toffees continue in their recent form which has seen them win 5 of their last 5 Premier League games. They are currently in 5th place on 60 points; just 4 points behind forth place Arsenal. Martinez’s men will be full of confidence ahead of their convincing 3-1 win over Fulham last Sunday and will be hoping to make home advantage count against Arsenal this weekend.

Romelu Lukaku has been outstanding this season for Everton. The striker, who is on loan from Chelsea, has scored 12 times in 26 appearances. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the Nigerian has had 35 shots on target this season out of a possible 55, giving him a shot accuracy rating of 63.6%.

Gareth Barry has made a huge impact since arriving at Everton on loan from Manchester City. The England international played a central role in Everton’s attacking movements against Fulham, making 33 attacking contributions (shots on target, crosses, dribbles and passes) bringing his season total to 978; the highest at the club.

Sylvain Distin will be expected to help Everton’s defense contain Arsenal’s attacking threats. The Frenchman has won 44 out of a possible 58 tackles this season, that’s a tackle win rating of 75.9%. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 349 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, clearances and interceptions) this season; which is the highest at the club.