Arsenal vs. Everton

1-1, Premier League, Emirates Stadium, 08 December 2013
Özil 80

Ahead of this game we were four points clear at the top, and had the opportunity of going seven points clear. However, that proved too great a task against an Everton side, fresh from a win at Old Trafford.

Without a doubt, Everton were the best side at the start of the game. For the first half an hour or so, it was all about the visitors. Five minutes into the game they came forward with speed, but fortunately the cross was not met by any player. Then Mertesacker had to make a vital interception as Lukaku approached our goal.
   Our chances of the half were quite limited, at the half hour mark Gibbs was inches away from meeting Cazorla's cross right in front of the Everton goal. Giroud had a decent chance as he got through the defence, only to have his shot saved by Tim Howard in the Everton goal. Mere minutes later Ramsey ended up in a similar situation, going through the defence only to have the shot saved.
   Even though the first half ended goalless, it was clear that we were catching up with our usual form by the end of the half...

At the start of the second half we continued with the brilliant play from the end of the first half. First up was Gibbs who had a volley effort going wide from quite a distance. The full-back then crossed the box to Wilshere, who laid it back for Cazorla to head straight at Howard. Stunning play and a brilliant attack, it was just the finished that did not meet top standards. Giroud made a decent run into the box, but his shot was blocked by a defender right before Szczesny had to make a great save from Pienaar's shot.
   We continued our pressure, with more from Gibbs as he provided a stunning cross across the box to Ramsey, whose shot was saved by Howard! Then Flamini fired wide as Walcott and Giroud worked together to get the ball to him, before we finally caught a break. With ten minutes to go Rosicky lifted the ball to Walcott, whose header reached Giroud, who missed the ball, but then Mesut Özil popped up behind him to put it into the back of the net!
   With that goal it felt as though we were getting another three points, but unfortunately the lead only lasted for four minutes, then Everton equalised through Deulofeu. Szczesny may have let that one slip past him, but he was sure not to let that happen again as Lukaku got through the defence shortly after, making a vital save. We could have had a fairytale ending to the game when Giroud unleashed a sizzling shot in the very final minute, but it hit the woodwork rather than the net! It was such a shame, seeing such a beautiful shot hit the bar and then go wide...

So we had to settle for just the one point this time around, and for the first time in a long time. However, we are still ahead in the table and will just have to keep working had, seeing as we have some rather difficult games ahead.