Arsenal youngster Alex Iwobi continues to impress and his first senior goal helped Arsenal to a valuable 2-0 win at Everton.
I didn't feel too confident ahead of the game, which saw Danny Welbeck open the scoring, as our form hasn't been great lately but it was one we definitely couldn't afford to drop any points in if we were to keep our slim title hopes alive.
We are six points off second-placed Tottenham and 11 away from leaders Leicester, with a game in hand, and we will have to more or less win all of the remaining matches while hoping the other two sides drop points. Our chances are very slim but we still mathematically have a chance so can't give up.
Whatever happens in the title race, the performance at Goodison Park was a lot more encouraging than our other recent displays. We need to build on this and be a lot more consistent in the remaining games. I personally don't think we will win the title but this performance at least gave us a reason to feel more positive than a lot of fans had been in recent months.
It is almost a shame that we have no more games left this month as, after an impressive performance, I would rather we had another game coming up soon rather than having to wait until after the international break.
Everton started brightly with Seamus Coleman latching onto a corner and flicking an effort against the outside of a post. The woodwork was hit again moments later, but this time at the other end. Muhamed Besic’s clearance ricocheted off Welbeck and hit a post.
The hosts then wasted the chance to take the lead when Romelu Lukaku's cross was headed over by Ross Barkley. That miss proved costly as Welbeck opened the scoring for Arsenal after seven minutes. A good team move saw Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil exchange passes before a perfectly-timed pass from the Chilean put Welbeck through on goal. The England striker took it round Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles before calmly slotting the ball into the empty net.
Arsenal were putting together some good attacking moves and Mesut Ozil tried his luck on goal, only to see his effort well blocked by Phil Jagielka.
Gunners goalkeeper David Ospina was forced into a save as he got a hand to Besic's strike from outside the box before reclaiming the ball at the second attempt.
Arsenal saw a penalty shout turned away following Ramiro Funes Mori's challenge on Sanchez in the box. Although there did appear to be contact, Sanchez was already starting to lose his footing before the challenge even came in.
Arsene Wenger's men continued to battle hard and doubled their advantage three minutes before the break. Hector Bellerin received the ball deep in his own half before sending a lofted long pass over the top for Iwobi, who raced forward and slotted it beyond Robles with a composed finish.
Arsenal tried to add to their lead in the second half but Francis Coquelin volleyed over from outside the box before the visitors had to deal with a very worrying moment shortly after the hour mark. Ospina was hurt in collision with Lukaku, as well as his own team-mate Gabriel, and with Petr Cech already out injured this would've been a big cause for concern. Fortunately though, the Colombian shot-stopper was able to see out the rest of the match, although it did nearly cause a goal. Jagielka headed over from a corner and it was lucky his effort was off target as Ospina had seemed unable to challenge for the ball.
The visitors saw another penalty appeal turned down when Olivier Giroud went down under a challenge, but the contact was outside the box so it mattered little and the decision not to award a spot-kick was correct. Giroud did have the ball in the net soon after but his headed effort was ruled out for a foul on Jagielka.
At the other end, Lukaku saw his tame headed effort comfortably saved by Ospina in the closing minutes of the match as Arsenal held on for victory.
OPPOSITION VIEW
Everton fan Paul O'Neill was left frustrated by the result but first wanted to focus on the positives by welcoming the arrival of new major investor Farhad Moshiri.
"First of all I'd like to say what a great "signing" albeit in a non-playing role for the club Farhad Moshiri was the other week," said O'Neill. "Hopefully he will have happier times at the people's club."
On the match O'Neill added: "To footballing matters on the field, for Everton I felt a loss coming today and so it was. Despite more possession (52%) and similar shots we were outclassed by Arsenal again and we have given away six points to them this season.
"I would like to say I think Iwobi's goal was good but far too over embellished for what was just a good counter.
"I feel the minds of the squad are on the FA Cup and this is why we lost.
"(Roberto) Martinez will have pressure in this competition as he certainly has the squad to be right up there in the league, yet no way near Leicester City!
"I feel Arsenal have let a big chance go this season and wonder what the future holds, possibly without Wenger. They were my tip for the league this season and what looks like a trophyless season must be annoying for the fans.
"As for Everton, hopefully two games in the FA Cup to potentially win it like Arsenal the two previous."
MY FINAL THOUGHTS
I think the international break has come at the wrong time for us. After an impressive performance it would've been better to have the chance to build up momentum sooner but that isn't the case, so we just need to make sure we come back refreshed and ready for the upcoming games.
Leicester and Tottenham are definitely the favourites for the title but, while we are still mathematically in with a shout, we can't give up. We will definitely need to put in very strong performances to stand a chance, with no more margin for error, especially with two potentially tough league games awaiting us after the international break. Watford visit the Emirates before we make the short but tough trip to London rivals West Ham.
I don't think we will catch Leicester but I want to at least see us put up a good fight and put in performances to be proud of and, most importantly, not let the remaining games fade away with a whimper.
COME ON YOU GUNNERS
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