Arsenal 1-1 Everton: 3 things we learned

Arguably the 2 most impressive teams in the Premier League this season went head to head at the Emirates yesterday. Here’s 3 things we learned from the encounter in North London

Too early to name Arsenal as title favourites

All in all it wasn’t a bad performance from the Gunners, in fact it was quite good, but that may be the most worrying thing of all as Everton deserved a point, and could have possibly gotten more if it wasn’t for the inspirational Wojciech Szczesny in goal. Everton have deployed a similar European style under Roberto Martinez as Arsene Wenger has brought to the Gunners, and that has made them 2 of the most enjoyable teams to watch in the Premier League with their quick passing and exciting wing play, but in terms of talent, on paper Arsenal should have swept the Toffees aside.

Of course that is something incredibly unfair to say about Everton, as the likes of Gerard Deulofeu, Bryan Oviedo Romelu Lukaku and Kevin Mirallas are a group of the Premier League’s best players. Arsenal still managed to avoid defeat, and that is most likely what was on Arsene Wenger’s agenda going into the match, taking a point from Everton has proved tough this season, and Arsenal have done so. It is still too early to name them as favourites though, even though they have been the best team in England so far this term, it could all change in the January transfer window.

Everton are serious top 4 contenders

Although there is that one team that stands out every few years in the Premier League that the majority think can really challenge the top 4, with the likes of Aston Villa and Newcastle United most recently trying but failing, Everton are the first smaller Premier League team to seem like the real deal. Smart in possession, quick attacking play and a hard working midfield, Everton have everything needed to challenge for fourth place. Though the only worry would be that they may not be able to take their form into next season, as Romelu Lukaku, Gerard Deulofeu and Gareth Barry, who have been 3 of their most impressive players this term, are all loanees.

A deal for Barry could be easily negotiated, while they may be able to extend the young Catalan midfielders loan, but even if Lukaku wanted to stay at Goodison park, Chelsea would want more money than Everton could afford, unless they make the Champions League group stages come May. With Manchester United playing slow, sloppy football, Manchester City’s terrible away form, Tottenham’s lack of killer instinct and seemingly Chelsea’s lack of belief, Everton’s only real competition seems to be Arsenal, Liverpool and Newcastle in the long run. It could well be a good season for Martinez and Everton.

Kieran Gibbs has wasted his last chance

In a game where there were a few positives for both sides to look at, there was one problem for Arsenal which has been the same problem for most of this season, the shockingly bad Kieran Gibbs. The fact that the unreliable Englishman gets the nod over Spanish international Nacho Monreal is laughable, and Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will have to answer that question to angry Arsenal fans who just don’t quite understand whether he is trying to commit defensive suicide or whether he actually thinks Gibbs can bring something to the team Monreal cannot.

Gibbs struggled to contain an Everton right flank that was full of pace and intent, and took time to get to grips with Coleman’s overlaps. Guilty of switching off, showed little attacking impetus, and failed to close down Deulofeu for the Spaniard’s goal. If Gibbs is not dropped soon, Arsenal will end up losing out on points that could prove costly come the end of the season.