Everton vs Arsenal match review – Gunners still in the race

After elimination from the FA Cup and UEFA Champions league, Arsenal responded with a 2-0 win over Everton at the Goodison Park. Goals by Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi in the first half have put Arsenal on a three points difference with second place Spurs and 11 points behind current leaders Leicester. Gunners and Spurs do have a game in hand but so far the title is still going to the Foxes.

This was Arsenal first league victory since their defeat against Manchester United four matches ago. The Gunners have slipped from being league leaders to being third while their North-London Rivals Spurs have outdone them to claim second spot.

Following the double elimination over the course of a week, Arsene Wenger has faced similar criticism from the fans and has also been asked to part ways with the club. But the Frenchman has stood his ground and has managed to bring his team back to winning ways in the Premier League.

The team has also been brutally scrutinised because of the lack-lustre performances and failing to step-up when needed. With a strong comeback against Leicester to claim three points and narrow the gap, Gunners lost against United and Swansea right after and failed to claim a victory over Spurs.

However, Wenger believes that the title race isn’t over and insists that he believes it is still possible. Speaking in a post-match interview he said, ‘We were backs to the wall today and responded well. I am pleased that mentally we responded under pressure. The character of my players was questioned and if we didn’t win today we knew we were out of it. I think it was a mental test for the side.’

‘I am not masochistic enough to consider us out. Mathematically we have a chance and a game in hand, let’s not forget, at home. We are not the flavour of the week at the moment but if we don’t believe no one will do it for us. Even if the mind is sceptical we have to give our best in every single game. We have to be humble and fight in every game like we did today. Then we never know. Of course we need some good results from the others. We cannot help that.’
Leicester won their away game against Crystal Palace, on Saturday and maintained their footing on the top spot. Spurs are to host Bournemouth on Sunday. With only eight games to go, the title race seems to be going in Leicester’s favour, but the unpredictability of the league makes Arsenal’s chances seem real.