Precious Point

Some people have complained about Everton’s negative approach to their visit to the Emirates Stadium, but that is not entirely fair. Everton are a team of honest though far from outstanding Premiership players who have been so well organised by manager David Moyes that right now they are over-achieving. Unfortunately, their over-achievement could not possibly have been expected to stretch to outplaying a side of Arsenal’s calibre and they were therefore obliged to recognise that they would have to concede possession and territory, defend for their lives and hope for a goal from a set piece.

As things turned out, their wildest dreams came true when Tim Cahill seized on a momentary lapse in concentration on the part of Arsenal to lash the ball in after an Everton corner. After that, it was backs to the wall as the Gunners’ flowing football brought wave after wave of attacks and a stack of chances, until eventually Robin Van Persie’s free kick earned them an equaliser. It was the signal for around 20 minutes of Everton hope and desperation, coupled with sufficient unsubtle time wasting to incur the wrath of Arsene Wenger.

In fairness to the Arsenal manager, he paid a generous tribute after the game to Everton’s spirit, organisation and resilience – the key qualities which enabled Moyes’ side to emerge with a dream point against what is undoubtedly the best football team in the Premiership.