Thomas Vermaelen heads home a goal. (Getty Images)
It's really hard to sit here and write about this match and not think Everton deserved a point out of this one, especially in light of the fact that they had a perfectly good goal ruled out. Still. for Arsenal. they seem to be getting some of the breaks now that weren't going their way early in the season.
The evening started like it was just going to be a typical Arsenal performance. They got possession and kept it, featuring a string of one and two touch passes. It wasn't long until they started creating chances. However, most of them fell to Aaron Ramsey, and he couldn't hit the broadside of a barn in this one. In the sixth minute he got a really good look at close range, yet somehow sprayed the ball wide.
However, the Gunners came good in the 8th minute, after another Ramsey shot was blocked. They set up for a corner kick and Robin van Persie used it to send in a gorgeous cross. Thomas Vermaelen leaped into the air and headed it away from Tim Howard and into the goal to give Arsenal the 0-1 lead.
Arsenal continued to control much of the first half, but the Toffees slowly got their feet underneath them. The game's real moment of controversy came in the 32nd minute. Everton was on one of their best attacks of the match and Royston Drenthe smacked the ball in for what appeared to be an equalizer. The celebration was short lived though, as the flag was up for offside. Replays clearly showed he was on. With the goal ruled out, halftime came with Arsenal still holding the 0-1 lead.
Everton came out actively looking for the equalizer and kept Arsenal somewhat on the back foot through the second half. However, lack of creativity in the final third really limited their chances, despite their possession. In the end, the best chance fell to Royston Drenthe in the 78th minute, but his shot following a corner kick sailed harmlessly over the bar. All in all, I'm sure Arsenal felt fortunate to be picking up all three points, but I think Arsene Wenger should stop complaining about the refs for awhile.
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