Arsenal v Everton: Toffees to make it sticky for hosts

16Apr 2013

England - Premier League

This is a titanic clash in the hunt for Champions League qualification. Everton can gain at least a point, writes Christian Crowther...

Arsenal v Everton, Tuesday 19:45, Sky Sports 2, Match Odds: Arsenal 1.87, Everton 4.6, The Draw 3.9

David Moyes was clearly wearing the mask of diplomacy as part of Match of the Day's crack analytical team on Saturday night, but inside he would have been screwing at the linesman's decision to award Arsenal an 85th-minute penalty against Norwich.

As it was, an ex-Evertonian in Mikel Arteta ensured that the lifeline was fully accepted, with the equaliser simultaneously galvanising Arsenal and sucking the belief out of Norwich.

Still, Arsene Wenger wasn't complaining as his in-form Gunners made it four consecutive Premier League wins and seven in eight with two further late goals to wrap up an unlikely 3-1 victory, lifting them into third for the first time since December.

By rubber-stamping QPR's relegation at Goodison Park on Saturday, Everton kept their own dreams of Champions League football alive, leaving themselves four points behind Tuesday's hosts in sixth.

The result of this game therefore could produce seismic repercussions on the complexion of those top-four spots, especially if Everton were to leave the Emirates empty-handed.

Despite Arsenal's paper form, the labouring nature of their win against the Canaries and Everton's own recent results gives plenty to suggest that they can at least get a point out of this trip to London.

Having obtained maximum points in four of their last five Premier League games, taking in a game just up the road against Tottenham which they should have won only to draw late on, the Toffees are a real match right now.

A 1-1 draw on Merseyside in November also highlights just how close the team's performance levels have been this season.

Over/Under 2.5 Goals

Premier League encounters between these sides have not been particularly fruitful of late, producing just four goals over the last three meetings. Unsurprisingly, neither side has bagged more than a single goal in those previous three matches and, with so much at stake, it's easy to envisage another tight affair on Tuesday night.

To Score

As Opta inform us, Arsenal's Olivier Giroud has clearly relished scoring in front of his side's fans during his debut Premier League campaign. Ten of Giroud's 11 Premier League goals have been netted at the Emirates and the other was netted away at West Ham making him the top scorer in the capital this season. On the scoresheet against Norwich, Giroud won the penalty and looks in good form ahead of this one.

Best Bet: Back Under 2.5 goals @ 2.24

Other Recommended Bet: Back Olivier Giroud to score @ 2.6