It wasn’t that long ago that certain corners of the Arsenal fanbase were once again starting to question Wenger’s ability to led the Gunners forward, fast forward a few weeks and we’ve won 5 of our last 6 games scoring 14 goals and keeping clean sheets in the last 3 in a row.
Did I mention 3 of those wins came against Spurs, Man Utd and Bayern Munich?
Arsenal sit second in the table and with the two Manchesters facing off this weekend a victory over Everton could very well see us top the table.
The Gunners have a mighty fine record against Everton at home, winning loads of matches and losing not many (any?) in recent seasons.
Arsenal are in fine form and will still be buzzing from the Bayern Munich win, however they must take care as in the past cracking wins against European giants have often been followed up with a loss in a game we really should be winning.
Vital Quotes:
Arsene Wenger ….
“We have built up a run and that brings confidence, but you also want a good compromise between confidence, urgency and hunger. It must give us hunger to do more.”
Roberto Martinez ….
“I wouldn’t say that a team as experienced in those [European] nights as Arsenal would suffer a hangover. I don’t expect them to have any negative effect.’
“If anything, they get an incredible momentum after that victory and they’ve got a big enough squad to find fresh legs if they need to and Arsene Wenger is the best man in doing that.’
Arsenal Team News:
Aaron Ramsey suffered a pulled hammy in the win over Bayern Munich which will see him out for a month. Rambo is joined by Ospina on a trip to see their mates, Wilshere and Welbeck in the treatment room.
Player to watch: The Ox
In all likelihood Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain will replace the injured Aaron Ramsey and the Ox’s form has been patchy to say the least, however with the Welshman sidelined for four weeks or so this is a real opportunity for Alex to show us what he’s made of.
Everton Team News:
Muhamed Besic and Steven Pienaar have joined long term absentees Leighton Baines and Tony Hibbert in the physio’s office whilst Tom Cleverley will need a late fitness test.
Player to watch: John Stones
John Stones is a superb young central defender and one we will need to bypass if we’re to score a lot of goals.
Match Facts & Stats
The Gunners have lost only one PL match against Everton in the last 16 games.
Arsenal have beaten Everton more than they have beaten any other team.
No team in the league have scored more goals with substitutes than Everton. 5.
Match Prediction:
I don’t like being confident about any football match in case it comes back to bite you in the arse, but considering our form, record against Everton and all round team moral I reckon we’ll come away with a comfortable 2-0 win.
Sanchez and Ozil with the goals.
Next Fixtures:
Tuesday 27th Oct 19.45 Sheffield Wednesday vs Arsenal Capital One Cup