Everton v. Arsenal 1-1 28/Jan/08

After two ties and what will become a "Triple Mersey Feature," the Toffies earned another draw and struggled against Arsenal. The Gunners encountered such a fierce opposition as in the early days that Rooney scored his first goal. The difficult trip to the North could not had get more difficult due to the recent form of Everton in the League and the fact that Scottish Moyes has been seen on away matches of the Gunners (Bolton and Hull). Robin van Persie keeps his pace, and by this moment has not only become Arsenal's top scorer but Arsenal's best player, in absence of Skipper Cesc.





Hostilities began in a difficult tone for the Liverpudlians with a depleted striker force, leading Moyes to choose Cahill as striker and Fellaini as link. In the foggy North pier the match started with a Robin van Persie freekick at 3', deflected. Toffees attacking opportunities ranged from 8' to 17' making several shots, but nothing to worry in the case of Almunia. Although Everton looked for possession it was a match for the two, while the visiting side was speculating and not quite concentrated. The match moved from side to side and at 27' Diaby was booked after a late challenge. While Everton diminished the attack Nasri found in the left alley a one-way stand and as 34' four crosses had been made from that side by the French midfielder. Even while Mikel Arteta managed to produce the gameplay for the Liverpudlians his physical state due to his previous injury relieved him from his common duties. First half ended particularly calmed, regarding the tempo showed in the first forty five minutes.





At last, one minute past the second half's beginning, Cahill managed to build a play alongside Fellaini. Denilson wide shot at 50' was a warning but the response was Everton's possession through a Cahill shot at 54'. As if it were enough for the game, Tim Cahill scored his 100th EPL goal, at 61' heading a cross from Baines. The lead gave Everton renewed brews and the attack kept coming from all the sides. During the following minutes Everton managed to keep Arsenal off the ball. I was not until 72' that Arsenal seemed to react with a double substitution. But even with several intents to touch the ball Arsenal were confused. With the match turning harsher by the minute, at 80', the north Londoners were not plausible enough to produce an opportunity until Robin van Persie scored the late equalizer, 92', that gave the Gunners a deserved point.


As usual Mexico lost one-nil against Sweden in its last match before the beginning of the final qualification round for the World Cup. I will bring you dear reader two matches, besides Mexico's, in the FIFA matchday; Spain v. England and Italy v. Brazil.