Arsenal: Three positives from the draw against Everton by SE
For a very brief period on Saturday, Arsenal were keeping their skeptics happy. But, when Kevin Friend blew his final whistle, Wenger’s men would have felt content and encouraged by the attitude they showed, to leave Goodison Park with a well-earned point. However, looking back on the game, what are the three positives that Arsenal can take from salvaging a draw against Everton?
Wenger’s tactical flexibility
Wenger has been the protagonist behind Arsenal, throughout the summer, as he intends to bring back those glory old days to the Emirates. He went ahead and signed Sanchez, following the Chilean’s impressive performances in the World Cup. Furthermore he has audaciously invested in 19-year old Chambers, who, so far, has vindicated his hefty transfer fee of 16 million pounds.
And, on Saturday, when he had a decision to make on the kind of system he wanted his side to play, out came 4-1-4-1, with Sanchez leading the line for the first time in an Arsenal shirt. Albeit Arsenal might not have impacted the game by much, playing in what was a balanced formation – defensively and offensively – Wenger’s initiative and tactical flexibility is definitely a positive to come out of the game. And, with plenty more big games to come this season, expect Wenger to innovate like he did against Everton.
Not going down when they weren’t having their best of days
It is the spirit that counts when you aren’t finding your best of touches, and Arsenal went on to prove their credentials as one of this season’s title contenders. They may have salvaged a meager point, but from being 0-2 down and 10 minutes to go, Cazorla and Monreal conjuring up the third sumptuous cross of the game – in addition to Barry’s cross for Everton’s first goal – gave Arsenal an indispensable away point.
Arsenal’s bench impacted the game immensely
It wasn’t Sanchez, and neither was it the 42.4 million pound man; instead, it was Cazorla (for Ramsey) and Giroud – two of whom harnessed those sporadic of chances for the Gunners on the evening. Not every day will you have your top stars firing on all cylinders, which is why bench strength becomes ever so vital and, on this occasion, Arsenal’s bench – consisting of Cazorla, Giroud and Campbell – came to their side’s rescue.
Final thoughts
Arsenal would have to do much better on their travels, if they are to challenge for the Premier League title. But, take nothing away from a spirited showing in the last 10 minutes of the game, to muster an invaluable away point.
Suhith