Gunners see off sticky Toffees to keep up chase

ARSENE WENGER’S Arsenal have frequently been accused of lacking the necessary backbone to sustain a meaningful title challenge but this season, it appears, is different.

Not for the first time in recent weeks the Gunners rallied after falling behind, recovering to claim victory on the back of a combination of talent and sheer willpower.

On this occasion they were driven by a sense of injustice at falling behind to Louis Saha’s 25th minute goal when the Everton striker was in an offside decision.

And after managing to bottle their fury, they overcame spirited Everton resistance to score twice in the second half through Andrey Arshavin and Laurent Koscielny and maintain their hold on second spot, five points behind leaders Manchester United.

It was a performance built on character, a point that will not have been lost on the manager.

It was a vital win, albeit a controversial one with Everton manager David Moyes accusing Arsenal captain Cesc Fabregas of making comments to referee Lee Mason at half-time that should have seen him sent off.

Moyes said: “I thought there were some really bad tackles from Arsenal in the game and Fabregas’ comments to the official in the tunnel at half-time warranted a sending off. I’m not going to repeat them; but they did. If he had said it on the pitch he would be have been off immediately, so what’s the difference in the tunnel?’’

This month will prove pivotal to Arsenal’s hopes of finally lifting a trophy after five barren seasons, not least because they visit Wembley on February 27 for the Carling Cup final meeting with Birmingham.

Victory in that game will go a long way towards easing the burden of pressure that tends to grip the Emirates Stadium this time of year and should Wenger’s team manage to deliver one trophy, they will surely have the confidence to challenge for more.

Defeat, though, could undermine their campaign, especially if they lose ground in the title race. Consequently, the visit of Everton was always going to provide a useful test of Arsenal’s ability to overcome opponents who themselves have plenty to play for.

Their start offered initial promise with Louis Saha probing in front of a five man midfield and the early pressure was applied by the visitors.

Arsenal gradually warmed to the challenge and Van Persie’s contribution became more pronounced.

The Dutch striker produced a clever back heel to tee up Cesc Fabregas only for the Arsenal skipper to drag his shot wide on 14 minutes.

The balance of the contest changed dramatically a minute later when the referee and his assistant combined to infuriate Wenger.

Saha had clearly drifted into an offside position before Seamus Coleman attempted to thread a pass through the home backline.

No doubt mindful of Saha’s presence, Koscielny stuck out a boot and diverted the ball into the path of the France striker who found the corner of the net with a low shot.

Unsurprisingly the game developed a feisty edge and the home side were guilty of allowing themselves to be distracted by their sense of injustice.

Early second half efforts from Tomas Rosicky and Van Persie threatened Tim Howard’s goal but Moyes’s side displayed great resolve until Arshavin finally found a way through to level with 20 minutes remaining.

A superb chip from Fabregas had Jack Rodwell straining and the Everton midfielder succeeded only into setting up the Russian who volleyed home from close range.

Koscielny headed home five minutes later and victory was Arsenal’s.

ARSENAL: Szczesny 7, Sagna 7, Djourou 6, Koscielny 7, Clichy 6, Song 6 (Diaby 46; 6), Wilshere 6 (Bendtner 68; 6), Walcott 7, Fabregas 8, Rosicky 7 (Arshavin 62; 7), van Persie 7. Subs: Almunia, Eboue, Gibbs, Chamakh

EVERTON: Howard 8, Neville 6 (Jagielka 78), Heitinga6, Distin 6, Baines 7, Coleman 7 (Anichebe 78), Arteta 7, Rodwell 6, Fellaini 7, Bilyaletdinov 7 (Osman 65; 6), Saha 7.

Referee: Lee Mason (Lancashire)