4 Things Arsenal Need To Work On After Everton Stalemate

Arsenal were held to a 0-0 draw by Everton at the Emirates on Tuesday night, writer ‘Gunner333’ looks over the game and suggests 4 things Arsene Wenger’s men need to work on.

As Arsenal and Everton locked horns at the Emirates, both teams were desperate for a vital three points which would strengthen their Champions League hopes. Everton knew a win by more than one would put the Toffees temporarily above Spurs, whilst Arsenal needed another victory to go four points clear of their London rivals.

Everton settled well into the game early, keeping possession and creating some good opportunities in the first 20 minutes. Pienaar and Anichebe had the pick of the chances. Arsenal also struck wide at the other end with Olivier Giroud missing a golden opportunity to put the Gunners ahead.

Not much action in the first half though. But it was still clear to see how important the game was to each side with a very physical 45 minutes of football being exhibited several tackles flying in.

The second half started as the first ended with plenty of chances and physicality in the game but still no goal to break the deadlock. Cazorla’s well hit volley was parried by keeper Tim Howard and later Ross Barkley’s scorching effort worried Arsenal fans in the 65th minute but both defences stood strong.

All through the game we were looking for new and inventive ways to create chances and counter attacking seemed to be one of them, as we were continuously pulverising the Everton back-line with dangerous balls being played into the paths of our pacey forward men but there was no outcome.

There were a few late scares for both teams but the result was a stalemate, but certainly not a boring one. I will now highlight the positives and areas of improvements for The Arsenal.

1. Start games with more energy

Based on the start we made to this game it’s no surprise that we’ve scored 11 of our last 13 goals in the second half and although this has worked recently, we could really do with starting games more positively. If we were able to hit the ground running and grab an early goal or two, it would certainly make things a whole lot easier. We’re not always going to be able to score last minute winners like we did against Norwich, and we can’t keep relying on positive second half displays. So lets get out the blocks quicker and put the opposition under more pressure early on.

2. Focus on our strengths – use our pace more effectively

Walcott and Oxlade-Chamberlain have deadly pace and Arsenal don’t always utilise it effectively enough. Too often the ball is played to their feet as we continue to pass the ball around in circles without really threatening the opposition goal. Walcott in particular makes great runs in behind but often he’s not spotted or picked out, we need to use the pace in our team more effectively in future.

3. Need to attack set-pieces 

If we are able to do this then surely we will have the whole package. Throughout the majority of the Everton game we were awarded numerous set pieces but were unable to create anything of note from them. This has been a reoccurring theme for Arsenal for some time. We have the height of Mertesacker and Giroud to target if they’re able to get something on Cazorla’s deliveries, we should start to see more goals coming from set pieces. Surely this is something we need to start taking advantage of?

4. Settled goalkeeper

A good performance from the Szczesny in goal last night. After a ‘rest’ to make way for compatriot Lukas Fabianksi, the 22 year old showed signs of his old self and maybe a little competition was all he needed. There are talks of Arsenal signing a new No.1 this summer though, but will the new man be a replacement for Szczesny or someone to push him for the No.1 jersey? We’ll have to wait and see bu whoever is in between the sticks next season, we need to have a settled first choice goalkeeper who can build a bond with his back four. Chopping and changing the keeper isn’t a viable long-term solution.

Hope you all enjoyed my views on the game and feel free to comment in the section below.