Written by Mean Lean on Saturday, 10 December 2011 12:44

The celebration of the club's 125th anniversary means that today's match with Everton is not just a normal match, there should be more emotional baggage attached to the fixture. It will be great to see some of the great ex players of the past as well as the various classy touches that only Arsenal can provide, as important as all that is I imagine that the only talking point come the final whistle will be the result.

Our margin for error is pretty much non existent as those above us continue to collect points and especially as our last home game to Fulham finished in a draw.

Everton are currently in mid-table and lost their last match at home to Stoke City but it seems as if no matter what their form is like or what position they are in the league, David Moyes always fires his players up for a game against the Arsenal.

For the last few seasons, Everton have pressed us hard from the front and have not allowed our defenders and deeper midfielders time and space on the ball, the back up players have just had a tough time playing against that tactic, so it will be interesting to see how Arsene counteracts that if Everton do continue to play that way.

The game could be scrappy at the start, with possession being distributed out pretty evenly during the early exchanges. Former Everton midfielder Arteta and Alex Song will be vital in getting out of that situation.

The obvious talking point will be who will replace Andre Santos who has now been ruled out for several weeks which is very sad news. I have been hoping that youngster Ignasi Miquel would be drafted in to replace the Brazilian but Arsene pretty much let the cat out of the bag and confirmed that Thomas Vermaelen will be moving to left back as his replacement. The idea of a total reshift of our defence worries me a little but all the players who will be in our back four are all experienced players who hopefully can adapt quickly. What that team will give us is probably the largest back four in Arsene's reign as manager of Arsenal. I would imagine that Moyes will be hoping to use set pieces as his team's major weapon so let's see how that goes.

I would be very surprised if we click offensively from the very start and I guess that van Persie will be paid special attention today so our wide forwards will be massively important today. Theo Walcott is due a goal and Gervinho's unpredictable style will be something that could make the difference.

An early Arsenal goal would do wonders. Fingers crossed we get that and more importantly get the three points so we can enjoy the 125 years celebration properly.

Mean Lean's Predicted Line Up:

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Comments (12)

• 10-Dec-2011 13:16 | | jahrro  - good luck
  

  come on arsenal all three points that all can work today

• 10-Dec-2011 13:24 | | Jonas  - AFC4LIFE!
  

  this is a good formation

• 10-Dec-2011 13:24 | | shitex Abj Nig
  

  A w don't do the same mistake you in greece that we have santos out injured,how can you play all your four CB, bringing Miquel n move TV back to center and drop DJ then move Lurent to RB. Playing two slow player (DJ N Mert) at back four could cost us sumthing than the require Three point

• 10-Dec-2011 13:27 | | young naz j  - 5 arsenal - 0 everton
  

  this is a day of victory: the best defence, best midfild, best forward and best attackers, who can stop us? none. this is not manu or spurs neither it is barcelona

• 10-Dec-2011 13:37 | | young naz j
  

  best goal keeper in the worl in few seconds

• 10-Dec-2011 13:38 | | Dom  - Miquel not Djourou
  

  I've got more confidence with Miqul at LB than i do of djourou at RB.
  
  Kos Mert Verm Miquel would be my back 4.

• 10-Dec-2011 13:41 | | MeanLean
  

  So would I. Mainly because it sticks to what we have done so well in recent weeks. I dont think we will see it though.

• 10-Dec-2011 13:49 | | Obodo Williams  - okay
  

  Bross you are right oh. Aprt from the fact that djorou was a flop. Miguel is a natural side back and AW will be saving his ass if he keeps djorou and plays Vermaelen in role and kosher has been brilliant in the right. So let it be
  Miguel Mert Vermaelen kosher at the back

• 10-Dec-2011 13:49 | | Piet 'Bendtner'  - win
  

  4-0 win, no doubt about that!

• 10-Dec-2011 14:22 | | William  - TV & Miquel
  

  I'm sure Prof always makes wise decisions. But it was nice to play Mique and save one CB you can't say we pray for injuries but what if it happens, it will cost us at this time we need to achieve results. Kib started like we wish Miq to do. Gooners vs Everton 3-0

• 10-Dec-2011 18:30 | | richie
  

  Just walked home still buzing big time! That was a much harder game than it should've been. But what a beautiful chip forward from Alex (We've only got one Song) and the ultimate finish from the best technician in the league today. What technique! What a volley! My heart was in my mouth as it ricochet in off the post. We should've won before that marvelous finish but what a cracking way to finish a hard faught victory.

• 10-Dec-2011 20:50 | | ArsenalForever2004
  

  I hope that the readers here know that Miquel IS MAINLY a centre back that CAN ALSO play as a left back.

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