Arsenal held again in draw to Everton

Arsenal drew for the second time in a week as they picked up just one point from their midweek trip to Goodison Park. It was a hard fought point as Theo Walcott, back from injury, proved once more why it's vital he stays, as he opened the scoring early on. However after some sloppy play in the midfield, Walcott's goal was cancelled out by in form Marouane Fellaini midway through the first half. It was an improved performance from the draw against Villa last Saturday but there is still much work ahead after failing to create many clear cut opportunities. Wenger once more ringed the changes as Vermaelen, Sagna and Wilshere all came back after being benched at the weekend, whilst Tomas Rosicky was back from injury and was named amongst the substitutes.

Theo Walcott returned from injury to open the scoring for Arsenal

The first chance of the match brought a goal from Arsenal. Theo Walcott ran through the midfield and then gave the ball to Ramsey. He then played it back to Walcott, who curled the ball home via a deflection from the left hand side of the penalty area and into the far corner of the net. 

Arsenal's bright start then suffered a set back as Koscielny had to go off injured with Gibbs replacing him.

Everton's first shot on target came from a corner as Baines' delivery met the head of Fellaini but it ended up as a comfortable save for Szczesny.

The hosts were now starting to dominate and almost found themselves a second as Pienaar tried to slip in Jelavic but Szczesny was out quickly to deny the Croatian from getting on the end of the pass.

However Everton then finally managed to find the net after sloppy play from Arteta and Sagna. Sagna's clearance went straight to Fellaini who with his left foot curled the ball past Szczesny for the equaliser.

Seven minutes before the break Jelavic had a fantastic opportunity to put his side ahead as he turned Mertesacker easily before blasting the ball over the bar and into the crowd.

The score at half time was 1-1.

The first shot on goal in the second half fell Everton's way as Mertesacker gifted the ball to Pienaar but Szczesny got down well to keep the ball out at his near post.

From the resulting corner Baines' cross met the head of Distin but Szczesny made a fantastic save to palm the ball away.

Ten minutes later Arsenal had a good chance to put themselves back in front as Walcott's cross found Giroud but his header bounced inches wide of the post.

Tim Howard hadn't really been tested in the match but then Santi Cazorla found room to hit a left footed shot but the American keeper was unfazed and managed to beat the ball away.

Arsenal then really should have taken the lead as Walcott played Giroud down the left and then attempted to pick out Gervinho but instead of rolling the ball across to him, the pass was a lofted one and it went over his head.

The final score finished Everton 1-1 Arsenal.

The teams lineups:

Everton: Howard, Hibbert, Jagielka, Distin, Baines, Gibson(73), Pienaar, Osman, Fellaini, Naismith(62), Jelavic.
Subs: Mucha, Heitinga, Oviedo(62), Hitzlsperger(73), Barkley, Gueye, Vellios.

Arsenal: Szczesny, Sagna, Mertesacker, Koscielny(4), Vermaelen, Arteta, Wilshere, Cazorla(90), Ramsey(80), Walcott, Giroud. 
Subs: Mannone, Jenkinson, Gibbs(4), Coquelin(90), Rosicky, Oxlade-Chamberlain, Gervinho(80). 

My man of the match: Theo Walcott

Referee: Michael Oliver
Attendance: 37,141