Gunners celebrate landmark with wonder goal

Arsenal 1-0 Everton

Robin Van Persie helped Arsenal celebrate its 125^th year anniversary with a wonderful goal worthy of gracing any occasion. It was also fitting that such a goal was scored with several Arsenal legends watching on from the stands as the Gunners continued their fine league form with a hard fought victory against a determined Everton side.

There was a carnival atmosphere before the match as Arsenal legends such as Charlie George, Bob Wilson, George Graham, Lee Dixon, Ian Wright, Robert Pires and Thierry Henry were introduced to the crowd and formed a guard of honour as both sets of players entered the field, while the North Bank held up red and white cards spelling out the number 125. The man who founded Arsenal Football Club all those years ago, David Danskin, was represented by his great grandchildren who carried the match ball to the centre circle and referee Howard Webb tossed a six pence coin to determine who would kick-off (each member of that very first Arsenal side contributed one six pence for the club to buy its very first football).

Arsenal played well in the first half, with Theo Walcott and Gervinho using their electrifying pace to get in behind Everton’s high defensive line. However they just could not get the ball past Tim Howard. Aaron Ramsey was sent clear through on goal, but his first touch was not great and sent him wide of the goal, forcing him to skilfully turn and swivel before unleashing an excellent curling shot which sailed just over the bar. Walcott then ran through on goal and unselfishly laid the ball square but a mix up between Gervinho and Ramsey resulted in another missed opportunity, while Gervinho also raced through, only to see his shot saved by Howard. If the Ivory Coast international can improve his composure in front of goal, he will be a truly exceptional player.

Arsenal were left to rue those missed chances as they found it increasingly difficult to create goal-scoring opportunities in the second half. Everton defended well, with two solid lines of defence and signalled their intention to take home a point by replacing Louis Saha with defender Sylvain Distin, mid-way through the second half, effectively playing without a striker. It was clearly going to take something special to break down this Everton rear guard action. Step forward Robin Van Persie. In the 70^th minute, Alex Song sent forward a lovely floated pass to the Dutchman, who duly volleyed the ball into the bottom right hand corner of the goal. It was a goal oozing with technical brilliance, a moment of sheer inspiration, applauded by Thierry Henry from the stands, and one that when seen again in slow motion simply took your breath away. No wonder Szczesny kissed Van Persie’s left foot at the end of the match!!

Arsenal saw out the last twenty minutes of the game, to secure an impressive victory against a team I consider one of the toughest to defeat in the Premier League. The back four, although experiencing some nervous moments, played well considering Vermaelen and Djourou were playing out of position, however they will face a more stringent test against Manchester City’s attack next Sunday. The midfield battled well and the front three, especially in the first half, linked well together and looked very dangerous. The Gunners’ impressive run of form has now taken them up to fourth in the league, if they can maintain this position over the festive period, we will be in a very strong position come the New Year.