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A stunning strike from Robin van Persie marked the striker's 33rd goal of 2011, and gave Arsenal an important 1-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates. Arsenal dominated for most of the game but could not take the advantage, and RVP would again be required to seal the poitns for the Gunners.
Arsenal missed glorious chances early on, as Aaron Ramsey and Gervinho both were unable to break the deadlock. Gervinho had a great chance to score in the opening 20 minutes, but instead of shooting the Ivory Coast international squared the ball for van Persie who happened to be in a worse position than himself.
Theo Walcott would also test Tim Howard with a bullet drive, but a good save from the American kept the scores level.
Everton replaced Louis Saha with Sylvain Distin as they looked to defend an protect away point, whilst Arsenal prepared to bring on their routine late attacking changes with Andrei Arshavin and Tomas Rosicky preparing to come on the pitch.
But a van Persie moment of brilliance put the Gunners in front to finally break the deadlock. A wonderful charging run from Alexandre Song broke the resistance of Everton's midfield, before floating a stunning ball into the path of van Persie, who struck a sweet first time volley into the bottom right hand corner of the net, the ball ricocheting off of the post.
In injury time, Conor McAleny the substitute had a glorious opportunity to level, but he spurned his chance wide of the post.
Arsenal celebrated their 125th anniversary with a win, and an important three points that sees the Gunners still in the title race heading into Christmas.
Written by Samuel Turnbull
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