Gunners mount second half fightback against Toffees
Nasri scored Arsenal's first during their comeback
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Saturday, 18, Oct 2008 06:28
Arsenal scored three goals in the second half at the Emirates Stadium to overcome a spirited Everton side 3-1 and keep their title aspirations intact.
Leon Osman gave the Toffees an early lead but strikes from Samir Nasri, Robin Van Persie and Theo Walcott gave Arsene Wenger's men all three points.
The home side were without captain William Gallas and gave a debut to Mikel Silvestre. However their defensive frailties were quickly exposed by Osman.
He contracted a passing move with Steven Piennar that allowed him to find space in the Gunners' box before firing past Manuel Almunia with nine minutes gone.
Van Persie almost equalised within minutes but his volley went narrowly over the bar. Osman nearly doubled his tally but his shot was deflected as Everton's counter-attacking style began to pay off.
The Gunners remained in the ascendency and again went close before the break only an alert Joleon Lescott prevented Nasri from finishing a flowing move.
Arsenal remained patient and they were rewarded soon after half time when Nasri converted a corner. The ball was not cleared properly and when Silvestre fed the ball back into the box the Frenchman scored.
Van Persie then missed a golden opportunity to give his side the lead but his shot from 12 yards out was wayward.
Luckily for the Dutchman he did not have to wait long to redeem himself. Emmanuel Adebayor fed in Cesc Fabregas and when Tim Howard failed to hold onto the Spaniard's shot Van Persie was on hand to convert the rebound.
Everton had been pinned back in their own half unable to create much in the second half and Arsenal put the match beyond doubt in the 90th minute.
Walcott played a one-two with Abou Diaby before slotting the ball past Howard.
The Gunners are now third, four points behind leaders Chelsea and Liverpool.