Arsenal to find fifth gear against Everton in Premier League

Many expected Arsenal to strengthen significantly in the summer. On numerous fans’ wishlists was a dominant central midfielder and a world-class striker.

Their first match of the season, appeared to prove that the fans had a point. A 2-0 defeat to West Ham United resulted in heavy criticism and had Wenger under pressure to deliver.

Early complacency in the Champions League resulted in them losing against Dinamo Moscow and Olympiakos, which left the Gunners bottom of their group. A 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge to fierce rivals Chelsea did little to appease things.

However, in the last six matches, with the exception of the Olympiakos clash, Arsenal have got back on track. Their 2-1 win at White Hart Lane in the Capital One Cup, helped to get supporters back on side. Since, three thrilling wins in the league has seen them move up to second in the Premier League, two points behind Manchester City.

It is no coincidence either, that this rampant run is synonymous with Sanchez’ return to the starting lineup. A hat-trick away at Leicester City, was followed by a brace at home to Manchester United, before a strike against the Hornets last time.

This run is almost Premier League winning form. Currently, they are 2/1 to be crowned champions, the shortest price they have been in a number of years. There seems to be a feel-good factor around the club at the minute and they can go from strength-to-strength.

Walcott: Arsenal “can beat anyone”

Striker Walcott, who has been outstanding in the Gunners last few games has been ebullient in the aftermath of his side’s win over Bayern and has talked up a fear factor that is developing at the Emirates.

“If you beat Bayern you believe you can beat anyone,” Walcott said. “We have been fantastic in the league – the two games before in the Champions League weren’t great – but the confidence is flowing through the team and you can just sense that.

“I think a lot of teams are starting to be a bit wary of that and that is what we want. We want to put out a message and the Bayern result can hopefully show that. It can’t just be a one-off, we have got to make it [Champions League qualification] right first. We need to keep on doing it, which we have been, to be fair to ourselves.”

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