Everton Match Report, 1-1
28. Oct, 2006 
3 Comments
Well it was a disappointing match today as Arsenal drew at home with Everton. We dominated possession with a whopping 70% to 30% according to the official statistics. We outshot them 29 to 2. So how’d we draw?
In the end, I think it stems from a lack of finishing. We just didn’t have the ability today to get the ball beyond the keeper. The play and passing were both outstanding. Meanwhile, the shots were well taken and generally on target. We just couldn’t find the net enough to give us full points.
I’m worried about this type of game. Our opponent goes up by one, and then they just sit and defend. It’s the sort of thing any team can do, so Wenger needs to find a way to break it. One of the things that Chelsea has always done well is find goals. It doesn’t matter against who, or how, but they find goals. I think that in matches like this, when the opposing team hunkers down to withstand our quick and sharp play, we need to find some other way to get that win.
Van Persie’s free kick was spectacular. Henry did well to let him take this with his stronger left foot. The shot barely broke over the wall and then curled right just out of reach of the keeper. And just 20 minutes from time.
I’m glad to see that the goalie that held us so well is from the U.S., at least. In my match preview you can see that I mentioned both Cahill and Howard, who were really the only two in between us and a full three points. Cahill’s goal was lucky after an awkward touch that ended up right at this feet, righ tin front of goal.
As a result of this match we have dropped from 4th down to 5th. Time for concern? Absolutely not. We’ve still got a game in hand and we are playing exceptional football. All that’s left to do is be consistent, and find goals in overly defensive games like this.
Please feel free to post your thoughts as to how we let this one get away from us.
Nice report – and well done for pointing out that dropping to 5th doesn’t mean it’s time to panic. Unlike the cunts at the game who actually booed Thierry. Yeah he had a poor game, but maybe occasionally he’s entitled to have one. Fans who boo our own players need to get a grip of themselves… who would you prefer up front, an off-colour Thierry Henry or fucking Franny Jeffers? Exactly. Do yourselves a favour and stay at home on Wednesday. The team doesn’t need that kind of support.
Can’t agree more with you, I was stunned at people actually having the nerve to boo Henry. For goodness sake get some perspective, no doubt they’re the same pricks who bitch and moan whenever a game isn’t going our way but are all smiles after a game like Reading. The club doesn’t need fans like you, there are 30,000 people on the damn season ticket waiting list so save some money, stay home and let a real fan take your place.