Where will Arsenal vs Everton be won and lost?

Crucial match for the lads today, as Everton travel to the Emirates. Arsenal will be looking to wash the bad taste of Wednesday’s defeat out of their mouths with sweet victory this afternoon, while also looking to regain their place in the table.

United beat Sunderland yesterday to climb back into third, while fifth place Southampton were defeated by West Brom. Liverpool and City kickoff at lunch time as well meaning nearly every team (Chelsea and Tottenham are facing off in the Capital One Cup final) around Arsenal in the table will have played by the time the match today starts. The onus is on Arsenal, and the three points are imperative.

The lads should approach this match with much focus and concentration. They will need to win their duels in every part of the pitch to be successful in this match,  but there are a few key match ups in particular that Arsenal need to focus on.

         Francis Coquelin vs Ross Barkley

The midfield war will be crucial to Arsenal’s fortunes today, and we need Francis to keep a tight grip on Ross Barkley. Barkley is the go to man in that Everton midfield, and is the one that makes things tick for them. Too much time and space on the ball, and Barkley can and will hurt you. Nullifying the threat of him goes a long way in nullifying the threat of Everton on a whole.

Santi Cazorla vs Gareth Barry

Just as Arsenal will need to stifle Barkley, Everton will attempt to stifle Santi Cazorla. Veteran Gareth Barry is Everton’s midfield enforcer, and he will be tasked with interrupting the play in midfield. He is the first cog in the Everton back line, beat him and they will be all the more exposed. We will need all of our midfielders not just Santi to push and pull Barry out of the picture.

Laurent Koscielny vs Romelu Lukaku

Big and strong Lukaku is a massive threat going forward for Everton. Pacey and powerful, Lukaku looks to impose himself and is a real handful. Luckily, we have the almighty Laurent in our ranks and we need him to be up to snuff if he is to neutralize the threat of Lukaku. Don’t get too tight, and force him away from goal would be my advice to Laurent, and if he can manage to do that he should be able to keep Lukaku at bay.

Alexis Sanchez vs Phil Jagielka

Everton know they are in for a long day, and will be wary of the threat of Alexis. The Chilean is a real live wire, and will run full speed from start to finish. We need him to get going quickly and drive at that Everton back line. If he is at his best, they won’t have an answer for him, and Jagielka and co will have some task at hand keeping Alexis quiet.