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Arsenal handed final day boost as Everton secure Premier League status

By James Cormack

Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard (L) and Arsenal's Spanish head coach Mikel Arteta react during the English FA Cup final football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London, on August 1, 2020. - Arsenal won the match 2-1. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)
Chelsea's English head coach Frank Lampard (L) and Arsenal's Spanish head coach Mikel Arteta react during the English FA Cup final football match between Arsenal and Chelsea at Wembley Stadium in London, on August 1, 2020. - Arsenal won the match 2-1. (Photo by Adam Davy / POOL / AFP) / NOT FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING USE / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE (Photo by ADAM DAVY/POOL/AFP via Getty Images) /
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Arsenal’s pursuit of Champions League football is dependent on the competence of Norwich City, but the Gunners have nonetheless been handed a minor boost ahead of their final day clash against Everton.

Back-to-back defeats for Mikel Arteta’s inexperienced Gunners has left bitter north London rivals Tottenham needing just a point at Carrow Road on Sunday to return to Europe’s premier club competition following a two-season absence.

Arsenal are two points adrift of Spurs, meaning they must beat Everton at the Emirates on Sunday to have any chance of usurping the Lilywhites on the final day. They will, however, be taking on a side that preserved its place in the Premier League on Thursday night.

Arsenal will take on an Everton side that secured Premier League survival ahead of their final day clash

The situation was looking precarious for the Toffees as they fell 2-0 behind to Crystal Palace at Goodison Park before Ashley Barnes opened the scoring for Burnley at Villa Park.

However, Frank Lampard oversaw the most significant of comebacks in the second period to make sure of Everton’s Premier League survival. A raucous home crowd invaded the pitch after Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed home the go-ahead goal before the Toffee faithful celebrated in unison on the Goodison Park turf post-match.

Everton’s win opened up an unassailable four-point advantage over Burnley, who eventually drew with Villa, and Leeds with just one game remaining. They’re safe.

For Arsenal, Everton’s victory is somewhat significant ahead of their final day clash. I’m sure the vast majority of Gooners would rather face a Toffee outfit that’s got little to play for, compared to one that’s fighting for their lives.

A rough and ready Everton would’ve undoubtedly made life tough for Arsenal on Sunday, but a more care-free and relaxed unit represents – on paper – a less tricky opponent for Mikel Arteta’s side.

Either way, the Gunners are utterly reliant on Tottenham succumbing to the Spursiest result of all on Sunday afternoon.

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