Arsenal were back to winning ways with a 2-0 result over Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
The Gunners ended a three-game winless run to remain 11 points behind league leaders Leicester City thanks to first-half goals from Danny Welbeck and Alex Iwobi.
The opener came after just seven minutes when Alexis Sanchez, who had exchanged passes with Mesut Ozil, fed a ball through for Welbeck to race onto and round Joel Robles with consummate ease.
Later in the half, teenage winger Iwobi marked his full Premier League debut with his first senior goal for the Gunners when racing onto a lovely long ball from Hector Bellerin to advance into the area and calmly slot beyond the Toffees keeper.
The victory was well-received by Arsene Wenger, who now has eight games to try and bridge the deficit with the Foxes, as Roberto Martinez will be hoping to guide his Everton side into the top half after falling to 12th having lost three of their past four outings.
MATCH OVERVIEW
Everton: 0
Arsenal: 2 (Danny Welbeck 7', Alex Iwobi 42')
Goodison Park, Liverpool - 39,270
TALKING POINTS
- Another subpar result for Everton. Are they overrated?
- Can Arsenal bridge the gap with Leicester or will a Champions League finish now suffice?
WHAT'S NEXT?
Everton meet Man Utd at Old Trafford on April 3 as Arsenal look ahead to their home clash with Watford on April 2.
TWITTER INSIGHT
Great to get back to winning ways with a hard fought victory at a difficult ground today. #COYGpic.twitter.com/LEZ3FTvuam
— Héctor Bellerín (@HectorBellerin) March 19, 2016
Memorable Day , Onto The Next #Big45pic.twitter.com/jhDRj3sv6Y
— Alexander Iwobi (@alexiwobi) March 19, 2016
QUOTES CORNER
Everton's Martinez on his side's poor showing:
"Today we had doubt and we were pedestrian. We looked like the team that played on Wednesday and travelled in Europe. Arsenal looked the fresh team.
"I don't think we had one period in the game when we looked like ourselves.
"It looked like a fearful performance."
Arsenal boss Wenger on coming through a tough mental challenge:
"The character of my players was questioned. We know if we don't win today we were out of it. I think it was a mental test for the side.
"I am not masochistic enough to consider us out. Mathematically we have a chance and a game in hand at home.
"We are not the flavour of the week but if we don't believe, no one will do it for us."
STATS SPECIALS
*Thanks to Opta
3 - Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in three goals in his last three Premier League appearances (1 goal, 2 assists). Back.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2016
3 - Hector Bellerin has provided 3 assists in his last two Premier League appearances, after managing just 2 in his previous 46. Flying.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2016
28 - Everton have already shipped 28 home PL goals this season, more than in any previous 38-game PL campaign. Welcoming.
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 19, 2016
