I am not talking too much about goal difference here, although it is only the two extra goals that the Gunners have let in during the current Premier League season that is keeping us out of the top four spots as we are level on points and goals scored with Chelsea, but the effect that the late strike by Alexis Sanchez at Goodison Park could have on morale and confidence.
It was all looking very nice and positive at 4-1 but then we had that unnecessary mix up between Nacho Monreal and Petr Cech to gift the Everton striker Niasse a goal. It was never going to change the outcome as that was assured and the home fans greeted their goal with stony silence but it was a strange flat atmosphere until the Chilean’s piece of individual brilliance put the good feeling back in Arsenal hearts.
That will now be the abiding feeling the players took from the game instead of dwelling on a blunder at the back. It is not just the team in general that should benefit either, but Sanchez himself who was looking frustrated that he had not scored despite playing a great game.
Whether or not he ends up leaving Arsenal for pastures new, We need Sanchez on form this season and that second goal of the season could just lead to many more, so will our fifth against Everton turn out to be much more important than it seemed.
Bob.