The battle for fourth is going down to the wire with both teams excelling during the closing stages of the season. Though the teams are in similar positions there are two seemingly different outlooks from the fans. Everton fans see that their club is exceeding expectation and are simply revelling in the recent success of Roberto Martinez’s men (still expecting wins and great performances by the way). Though, there is a certain level of expectation and frustration at the Emirates following past successes and their recent trophy drought. This being said there will be no let up in the fight for CL football and no straying of support for either club.
Key Players
Steven Naismith has proven himself to be quite the calm finisher when given the opportunity recently and his goals have been priceless in the recent run of eight wins in nine games for the Blues. He could have further work to do yet in helping with Everton’s bid for fourth, as he will be looked to for impact off the bench or to support Romalu Lukaku and find space around the intimidating Belgian international striker. Everton’s usual suspects (Leighton Baines, Seamus Coleman, Ross Barkley and James McCarthy) will be expected to deliver their usual high standard of performance if there is any chance of bringing midweek champions league football to the Goodison floodlights next year.
From an Arsenal point of view their most important player from here on in will surely be Aaron Ramsey who was having a stunning season until an injury sat him out for several weeks. He returned the weekend just gone against Hull and with him Arsenal’s drive and guile. The Gunners have looked flat of recent weeks allowing the blue half of Merseyside to get their foot in the door to Champions League qualification. Ramsey was having a superlative season having scored eight in the league. Arsenal fans will hope that he can carry on turning in man of the match performances until the end of the season as he did on Saturday.
Remaining fixtures
Everton have some tough fixtures remaining against teams high in the league table but this appears to have suited them as late. Recording emphatic victories against both Manchester United and Arsenal, yet only scraping a victory at Sunderland and losing to Crystal Palace. The Blues will look to get seven points from a possible nine in the last three games including one against title-contenders Manchester City. I do understand that this could have positive permutations for Liverpool but I along with most rational Everton fans simply want the team to win regardless of how it affects anyone else. City’s record against Everton of late has not been the best (losing six of the last nine premier league meetings). This aside, any team would fear coming to Goodison right now which has returned to it’s former status as somewhat of a fortress (I know, I know, Palace knocked three in). On a side note, star winger Kevin Mirallas is rumored to be out for the remainder of the season which would be a massive blow to Champions League ambitions as he has been in dazzling form of late.
The London side has the “easier” run-in on paper but at this stage of the season there are no easy games. Teams at the bottom of the league are fighting for their life, teams in mid table are playing carefree football free of pressure and clearly teams at the head of the table are vying for European football and Premiership glory. Arsenal face Newcastle, West Brom and Norwich who are 9th, 16th and 17th respectively and could all face relegation come the end of the season. This, in some respects could be seen as a more challenging fixture list than Everton’s and I believe they will gain at least six points from a possible nine which might not be enough to stave off the late surge of the Blues.
Inside the Battle for Fourth
This battle for fourth is being overshadowed by the title race but it is a terrifically entertaining and unpredictable situation. Personally I believe that Everton will be left ruing the Palace loss as Arsenal should gain at least six points from the last three games, much like I predict for the Blues but as we well know this will not be enough to overtake them as they need to record at least one point more than the London outfit over the remaining three games. It is also worth noting that Everton have a +23 goal difference compare with Arsenals +21. Still, the fate of both clubs lies in Arsenals hands as we speak, will they crack under the pressure?
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