It’s the last home game of the season. A season that has left us practically breathless with outstanding displays and at the same time infuriating from the inability of Arsenal to lay its hand on a single trophy. Everton were looking to seal their European spot, needing just a point to do that. As for Arsenal, there was nothing much to play for except to keep the winning run going as an early preparation for next season.
The sight of Flamini, Fabregas and Hleb sitting in the stands will surely have gave Everton hopes to claim the first victory over Arsenal at the away ground for more than 10 years. And thus as the match went on, Everton easily stifle the attacking movement of Arsenal. It was quite evident how the trio was missed.
Fluidity was lacking from Arsenal’s play. Denilson and Gilberto did not manage to probe the tightly marshaled defense of Jagielka and Yobo. The only time that they did Walcott rushed his shot and scuffed it wide. Bendtner was given another chance to show his worth in front of another sell-out crowd at Emirates. I would say that he didn’t disappoint. He showed diligence to drop deep to collect the ball and in doing that managed to drag one of the centerbacks out with him. It enables Adebayor and Walcott spaces to run into.
Armand Traore showed that not all full backs converted to wingers are wrong decisions. He showed pace and panache to trouble the reliable Tony Hibbert and on few occasions manage to get around him. The link play between Traore and Bendtner produced the only goal that decided the match. As always Bendtner powers onto a header and left Howard no chance.
As always with the last home game of the season, the squad took a lap of honour around the stadium to send appreciation to fans that have supported them all season. Flamini’s wave to the Arsenal crowd would prove to be his last. Thanks for the memories Matthieu.
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