A damaging weekend for the Blues left them four points adrift of Arsenal with just two games to play. A lacklustre and injury-riddled Everton put in a dire performance against a Southampton team with nothing more to play for in the premier league after securing 8th position. This being said there was there was plenty of English talent on show and all were vying for their place on the plane to Brazil, making their case to Roy Hodgson who was in attendance at the early kick-off.
This game left Everton on 69 points (already the highest premier league points total ever) with Arsenal on 70 at the time as they did not play until Monday against a down-trodden Newcastle side with an average manager and a very above average contract (seven years). Everton fans held hope that the Toon army could take something off Arsenal, even scraping a draw would have kept Everton in the hunt but as we all predicted it was a terribly simple victory for the London outfit. The Gunners ran out 3-0 victors with German international Mesut Ozil turning in a man of the match performance with a goal to suit.
With the return of Ozil and more recently Aaron Ramsey, Arsenal are becoming the force they were just months ago when they led the Premier League, devastating teams with their slick passing, superior intelligence and team play. On paper, Arsenal have arguably the best midfield in the league with Ozil, Ramsey, Santi Cazorla, Jack Wilshere, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Theo Walcott & Mikel Arteta. Though one of their most important player in would not be included in most peoples ‘Top Arsenal Midfielders’ list. I am of course talking about Matheiu Flamini, he provides the necessary bite and aggression that Arsenal have been missing since the days of Patrick Viera. It is his willingness to get stuck into opposition midfielders, have the odd scuffle and of course, put in the odd dodgy tackle that none of the skilful bunch could provide. Flamini breaks up the play allowing the likes of Ozil to work their magic and create golden opportunities for Olivier Giroud.
Everton’s 2-0 loss against the saints has left them in a precarious position with Spurs winning later in the day and moving to three points behind the Blues. This adds to the importance of the Manchester City game, not only do we need a win to keep pressure on Arsenal in case of any slip ups but it would give us some healthy breathing space from 6th. At a time when Everton have eight players out injured and Gareth Barry ineligible against his former club this weekend, two major boosts were handed to Roberto Martinez early in the week having Phil Jagielka return from a lengthy absence to partner John Stones at centre back (partnership for years to come) and confirmation that Leighton Baines will be fit to play against the championship contenders. Meanwhile Sylvain Distin has been given the old 50/50 tag, of course meaning no idea whatsoever.
This weekends game could come down to Everton’s ability to soak up the City pressure and catch them on the break, the Blues will hope Romelu Lukaku will be able to make it stick and offload to the likes of Aiden McGeady or Gerard Deulofeu who can use their undoubted pace and skill to create in the final third. One thing though is for sure, Everton must improve on their last performance if they plan on getting anywhere near the flamboyant Manchester side.
I’m still expectant of Arsenal finishing fourth, Everton securing fifth and Spurs finishing sixth. This would be undoubtedly suit Everton only, both Arsenal and Tottenham will see the season as somewhat of a failure considering the amounts of money spent by both teams on improving their squads. Only the fifth placed team will be guaranteed European football which has to be achieved if Everton are to use this season as a springboard to bigger and better things. Not only will the club financially benefit but players of a higher standard will be attracted to the club. Between the battle for the title, survival and Europe who can take their eyes off the Premier League? This is why we have the greatest league in the world.
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