Arsenal rescue point but same problems still remain

Arsenal once more put in a far from convincing display as their slow start to the season continued. The Gunners had to come from two down against Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday evening as late strikes from Ramsey and Giroud rescued a point. It was a game of two halves and it took Wenger to make some bold changes in order for the game to turn around. Over the years matches between Everton and Arsenal have been very interesting and this was no different! Arsenal made a few changes from the opening day win as Ozil and Mertesacker returned whilst Flamini came in for the injured Arteta. Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain also started ahead of Santi Cazorla.

Olivier Giroud scored a vital late equaliser as Arsenal drew with Everton

It is difficult to describe exactly what Arsenal fans feel like after the draw with Everton. In some ways it feels like a win, and there is a mass sense of relief. However, you can't be happy with the way the side played. It was bold of Wenger to play quite an experimental line-up, as Alexis started up top with Ozil on the left. It was an experiment that didn't quite pay off, especially with Mertesacker playing with Chambers at the back for the first time.

It was clear to see the defense had been shuffled about and ultimately that led to our down fall, as well as the fact we had no runners when it came to our attacking phases of play. The first goal was poor marking at the back post as Ozil allowed Coleman to get round the back of him and head home a cross. As for the second one, Mertesacker was bullied by Lukaku before Chambers dived in and Flamini didn't go to his man. That all allowed Naismith to fire home despite looking slightly offside.

What was encouraging though and for the second week running was Arsenal's will and determination to not give up and to keep going. Arsenal had to go down and make some changes and the main one was that of Olivier Giroud. Sanchez hadn't particularly played as well as he could've done upfront and as a result was subbed at half time. Giroud completely changed the game around and gave us a different dimension up top and showed how valuable he can be at times. He did miss a big chance with his first touch at the beginning of the second half, blazing a volley over from close range. However he made up for that by scoring a vital headed equaliser from a Monreal cross in the dying embers of the game.

Aaron Ramsey was the player to yet again make the difference though. Another of the subs Santi Cazorla played well when he came on as he swung in a low cross to Ramsey who couldn't miss with six minutes remaining. The midfield combination of Wilshere and Ramsey hasn't seemed to work yet and it wasn't until Jack was brought off that Ramsey seemed to have more of an effect on the game. The question remains over Wilshere and he's going to really have to pick up his own game for the good of the team, and for his overall performance levels.

Arsenal's attacking play with Giroud on the pitch was very encouraging but like with all games there are negatives and despite the way we came back the defence does need addressing when it comes to these big games. Hopefully we'll see Koscielny back for the game against Leicester next weekend. First up is the second leg against Besiktas and following a 0-0 draw in Turkey, we simply have to win.

The team's line-ups:

Everton: Howard, Coleman, Distin, Jagielka, Baines, Barry, McCarthy, Mirallas(84), Pienaar(9), Lukaku(74), Naismith.
Subs: Joel, Alcaraz, Stones, Besic, Osman(9), Atsu(84), McGeady(74).

Arsenal: Szczesny, Debuchy, Chambers, Mertesacker, Monreal, Flamini, Wilshere(74), Oxlade-Chamberlain(74), Ramsey, Ozil, Sanchez(45).
Subs: Martinez, Koscielny, Bellerin, Rosicky, Cazorla(74), Campbell(74), Giroud(45). 

Referee: Kevin Friend
Attendance: 39,490.