Welcome to another exciting episode where we delve into the latest football action, focusing on the strategic maneuvers of Arsenal's head coach, Mikel Arteta and his nemesis: VAR. This time,it was going to be all about team selection and tactical brilliance as Arsenal prepared for their crucial match against Everton, all while keeping one eye on their upcoming Champions League clash with Real Madrid, but VAR and the referee stole the limelight and the points as usual.
I just want to congratulate VAR and the match officials, who are allegedly fair people,for deciding the fate of the title with their decision-making, which has swerved from the vex-crime (yep,I made that word up, so does that make it a neologism? ) to the ridiculous. Quite honestly,Arsenal did just enough to win this game against Everton, but the Fates were against them. How was the Lewis-Skelly incident in the box a ‘foul', when it was six of one and half a dozen of the other.
What makes the decision worse was it was given in the penalty box. I wasn't even sure it was a foul,but apparently it was so clear and obvious that VAR didn't even show replays of the incident. I suspect there were other reasons why they didn't want their decision-making in the public eye, but we'll never know now. Anyway,the penalty was despatched and Arsenal's last chance of putting any pressure on Liverpool at the top was effectively over, if it wasn't before.
Pickford was in imperious form in the Everton goal, and he was tested by a Martinelli pile driver,but not much else. Arsenal had most of the possession,but the substitutes, apart from Tierney to some extent,offered no more than the players they replaced, so it was no surprise that the Gunners' title challenge faltered, after yet another VAR setback. The referee's performance was questionable to say the least.
He signalled for full time before the extra minutes had been played and then had to backtrack. As well as that, he allowed some agricultural challenges on Raya, as he was kicking the ball out. I thought that had been ruled out in modern football, but not at Goodison Park with this referee! Of course, the penalty decision was an absolute travesty of justice. Jorginho thought so too and complained for so long and hard that he ended up with a yellow card.
Despite the result, Arsenal can hold their heads up high, as it was a valiant performance. Arteta's lineup for the game clearly showed that his primary focus was on the impending European showdown. A few unexpected names appeared on the starting sheet, with Raheem Sterling and Jakub Kiwior taking the field, the latter stepping in due to Gabriel's unfortunate season-ending injury.
Ben White also joined the starting eleven,while Timber, who picked up a knock in the previous game,was relegated to the bench for precautionary reasons. There was a bit of a letdown in the midfield choice, as Merino was given the nod to start. I was hoping to see him take a more advanced role after his impressive goal against Fulham. Nevertheless, Arteta's knack for assembling the right squad was on full display.
Sterling's pace allowed him to break free and selflessly set up Trossard, who calmly slotted the ball into the far corner,giving Arsenal the lead. Trossard almost doubled the advantage with a clear chance, only to be denied by Everton's goalkeeper,Pickford, who narrowed the angle effectively. In the process,there was a scare as Trossard seemed to pick up a knock, which is the last thing Arsenal needs given their current injury woes.
However,by halftime,the Gunners were sitting comfortably with a lead, and fans could feel optimistic,thinking,"So far,so good. " Despite the advantage,Everton,with Beto spearheading their counter-attacks, posed a constant threat on the break. Arsenal would need every ounce of their defensive resilience to maintain their lead and continue to exert pressure on the league leaders from a distance.
In the end,Arsenal’s biggest threat was posed by the match officials, who have managed to systematically destroy Arsenal’s title charge. As we wrap up this episode, it's clear that Arteta's tactical acumen continues to shine through. Arsenal fans will be hoping for a clean bill of health for their key players as they juggle the demands of domestic and European competitions. Until next time, keep your eyes on the pitch and your spirits high.