Arsenal vs. Everton

0-0, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 2013-04-16

Needless to say this was a disappointing drop of points, even though we had a tough opponent in Everton. We really need to win these home games, especially considering the chances we created throughout the game. However, to be fair, Everton did create chances as well and played really well.

The first couple of chances of the game went to Everton, around the five minute mark. They got close as Mirallas had a chance, but he failed to control the ball and Szczesny could catch it. Then Pienaar had a decent chance to score as he was played on-side, his effort went over the bar, though.
   Cazorla, who has been absolutely superb in his first season at the club, provided a decent cross that was not met by anyone in the Everton box when we had our first chance. Later on the Spaniard would pass the ball to Gibbs, having received a poor clearance from Fellaini, and then get it to Gibbs as the defender had a shot over the bar.
   Everton then had another couple of chances, starting with a shot on target by Barkley that was comfortably saved by Szczesny. Anichebe's shot almost found its way past our 'keeper, though, as it took some unfortunate touches on our defenders, fortunately Szczesny managed to grab hold of the ball eventually.
   At the end of the half we had two decent chances, first when Giroud received a cross but put the ball wide and then as Wilshere kept a strong hold of the ball before playing it to Cazorla and the Spaniard had a great touch to take him past the defender but his shot was saved.
   In general the first half was intense and physical, but lacking in decent goal-scoring opportunities.

Once again, we upped our game considerably for the second half. Unfortunately it was not enough for a win this time around.
   Everton had a shot on target right at the start of the half, that was saved by Szczesny, and after some neat play in and around the Everton box Cazorla fired a powerful shot to force a save out of Howard, the Everton 'keeper. There was a quite surprisingly brilliant show of footwork by Gibbs before passing the ball to Giroud, whose shot went over the bar.
   A counter-attack led by Walcott was put into the box by the Englishman, unfortunately Giroud got the ball behind him and Howard could make a comfortable save. Following a corner Giroud headed the ball down into the centre of the box, but it was cleared by an Everton defender. The resulting corner was almost back-heeled into the back of the net by Ramsey, but Howard made yet another save. A second decent counter-attack was almost turned into the back of the net as the second fast Englishman of the team, Oxlade-Chamberlain, put the ball in for Giroud. Unfortunately a defender got there first and cleared the ball for Howard to pick up.
   We had a couple of last chances as Giroud fired over the bar, yet again, and Arteta almost got a shot away as he was released onto the goal, but the game ended 0-0, leaving both teams fairly disappointed.

It was never going to be an easy game, since Everton is very much in the race for the fourth spot, but it is nevertheless disappointing to drop points, especially at home. However, we do still have a good chance at playing in the Champions League next year, the important thing is just to move on and win the next game!

Injury Update:
- Fabianski picked up an injury ahead of this game, meaning that Szczesny was back in goal.