When Arsenal face Everton at The Emirates later today, nothing more than a victory for David Moyes’ side will do, in a crucial game for both.
With just six Premier League games remaining, the battle for Champions League qualification is going to go right to the final day of the season, as four sides battle it out for third and fourth place in the rankings.
Tottenham are starting to falter in the absence of Gareth Bale, Chelsea’s heavy schedule is starting to catch up on them physically and there is no doubt that Arsenal and Everton are the two teams carrying the momentum.
Arsene Wenger’s men have seized their opportunity. The North London side have won 7 out of their last 8 league games, and have hit top form right when they needed to. Just like last season, they looked down and out a few months ago but have responded impressively. They know a win over Everton would be a huge step towards a top four finish.
Everton’s Belgian midfielder Marouane Fellaini (R) vies with Arsenal’s Spanish midfielder MIkel Arteta (L) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England on November 28, 2012. The game finished 1-1. AFP PHOTO/PAUL ELLIS RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or “live” services. Online in-match use limited to 45 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club/league/player publications (Photo credit should read PAUL ELLIS/AFP/Getty Images)
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Everton trail Arsenal by four points, and they know that victory over their rivals would really spice things up, leaving them one point adrift, and level on points with Tottenham and Chelsea (who do have games in hand).
One of the biggest criticisms of Moyes’ tenure at Goodison Park is his poor away record against the top sides. Too often they are negative and play for a draw, respecting their opponent too much, but tonight their approach must be different. They attacked Tottenham at White Hart Lane and drew 2-2. Their performance deserved better, and they need to play exactly like that today.
Jack Wilshere is unlikely to play after struggling in his first game back after injury, but other than that Arsenal are at full-strength. The same can be said of Everton, who continue to impress hugely this season.