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Currently sitting in fifth place and with a game in hand, Everton can close the four-point gap Arsenal have on them with a win at Goodison Park on Sunday.
Roberto Martinez’s team have been eyeing Arsenal’s fourth-placed spot for some time now, and a victory over the Gunners would go a long way in helping Everton obtain this and all the royalties that come alongside it.
The Toffees are gunning for Europe next season and a top-four finish would make their dream of playing alongside the continent’s top outfits a reality.
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However, Arsene Wenger and his current Arsenal side are unlikely to roll over and, despite their opponent’s formidable home record, they’ll be sure to put up a decent fight.
Here are three reasons why the Gunners can emerge victorious at Goodison this weekend.
1. Mathieu Flamini Restored To Holding Role
Arsenal were considerably tighter in defence and midfield with Mathieu Flamini restored to the starting line-up against Manchester City. His display in this match proved he needs to be playing in the club’s more important matches.
The Frenchman has been a revelation since re-joining the club in the summer and, whilst his contribution goes somewhat unnoticed, he is a key player for Wenger’s side.
At Stamford Bridge two weeks ago, Arsenal were hammered 6-0 by Chelsea. Despite being the perfect option for such an important match, Flamini was left on the bench as Mikel Arteta and Oxlade-Chamberlain were the preferred duo in midfield. He was also missing in Liverpool’s 5-1 mauling in February.
Without Flamini in the side, the Gunners lack bite and sufficient protection for the back four. They also suffer from losing his experience and fantastic leadership qualities.
Against City, Arsenal benefited from having two hard-working players in the centre of the pitch and this is the system I feel Wenger should be using more often in vital matches. Flamini finished the match with a Performance Score of 24 points, having contributed with four defensive actions.
If Wenger is to approach the Everton match in the correct fashion, he will have the sense to deploy the 30-year-old in a holding role. Especially considering the attacking nature of their upcoming opponents.
2. Psychological Advantage
After a convincing 4-1 home victory for Arsenal in the FA Cup just last month, the Gunner’s will have the psychological edge during their weekend travels to Goodison.
The visitors’ knocked Everton out of the competition thanks to goals from Mezut Ozil, Mikel Arteta and a brace from Olivier Giroud. They got the job done when it mattered the most and this will be an important factor ahead of Sunday’s encounter.
Arsenal also have the advantage of being ahead of their opponents based on points. Everton essentially need a victory, whilst I’m sure the London outfit would settle for a share of the spoils. The Toffees will need to come out firing on all cylinders, whereas Wenger’s side have the option to play a more reserved game.
Furthermore, Roberto Martinez has a relatively young side and everyone involved with Everton knows full well how important the Sunday’s match will be for the final outcome of the season. Youth often equates to inexperience and Arsene Wenger will be hoping the pressure of the occasion foils the Toffees’ attempts to close the gap on fourth.
3. Aaron Ramsey’s Return
Ramsey has not played since the Boxing Day victory at West Ham United, in which he damaged a thigh muscle, and various attempts over recent weeks to improve his fitness have ultimately failed.
He was arguably the Premier League’s best player over the first half of the season, accumulating a Performance Score of 643 points. During this period he scored 13 goals for Arsenal, whilst weighing in with a series of dominant performances. The club were flying high in first place and this was largely due to his impressive form.
However, his absence has hit his team hard. Within weeks of the Welshman’s injury the Gunners had slipped down to fourth, and now their Champions League status is being threatened by their weekend hosts.
With Ramsey in line for a return, Arsenal fans will have greater reason for optimism heading into Sunday’s fixture. He could make his first appearance since December in a season defining match, manager Arsene Wenger revealed on Thursday.
“Aaron and Nacho Monreal are back training with the squad, so that is good news,” Wenger told the club website. “Hopefully they will be available for Sunday.”
The midfielder’s return will be a huge boost for the Gunners, especially if he is quick to regain his early season form
