Arsenal Hold On Late for 2-1 Win Away at Everton

Three points is always a good thing, particularly away at Goodison Park. It's even better when the Gunners start looking like the Arsenal we expect: crisp passing and movement, commitment and purpose, and yes, some spot on goalkeeping. (Zonal Marking already has a post up about the game.) They're not nearly where they need to be, but after a dismal three-game skid, this was game welcome relief.

The Gunners 2-1 away victory nudges them upward into 2nd place in the table. With Chelsea getting absolutely shredded at home by Sunderland 3-0 (a really inspired game by the Black Cats, while most of the Chelsea 11 looked like they were mourning Ray Wilkins), Arsenal are only 2 points back of the league leaders.

Arsenal were much improved today with goals coming from Sagna in the first period and Fabregas early after the restart. While they failed to put the game on ice, they gutted out the full 90 and did enough to win. Lukas Fabianski, as noted, made a number of saves to preserve the win, especially late on as Everton piled pressure on the Gunners goal. And again, the keeper was strong in his management of the goal area.

Arsenal did allow Everton to concede a goal late from a corner kick. Dodgy defending, with Song not winning the ball at the far post (and a possible foul as Saha climbed/leapt over Alex) and several defenders guilty of ball-watching.

That complain aside, this is a very, very good 3 points to take and a win to build from as we move toward the London Derby at White Hart Lane next weekend.

Other Notes
From the Please, Please, Please Department, Juventus are said to be dumb enough, er astute enough to know a great striker when they see one, and are willing to take Nick Bendtner off our hands.

Please, Please, Please Department, Part II.  Speculation mounts on whether Almunia has a future with the club and whether it might be as goalkeeper glove washer.

It was nice to see FC Dallas beat down LA 3-0 (at home, even!) to advance to the MLS Cup. I've been impressed with Dallas' fast, attacking style. They'll meet a similar team in Colorado, who beat San Jose yesterday.