Robin van Persie was not having a good game, he was uncharacteristically losing possession and he was not able to influence the game as he usually does. Well that was the case until 70 minutes when Song who had played a number of over hit passes in the final third, played a perfectly floated pass to van Persie who spun off his man and volleyed first time past Howard and in off the post. A world class strike from a world class

Well that was tough, it was the usual scrappy match against Everton. I had a feeling pre match that it would be a tight game as is often the case when David Moyes brings his well organised, workman like troops and today was no different.

What was surprising was the amount of chances we carved out in the first half, what wasn’t a surprise was that we missed them. Barely 15 minutes had gone on the clock before Theo Walcott was scampering down the right after some great work from Arteta, Walcott’s low cross, often perfect this season fell in between Ramsey and Gervinho and none of them could quite manage to reach it to tap into an empty net.

Aaron Ramsey wonderfully worked a chance for himself after Song had slipped the Welshman into the box, he turned Tim Howard and curled the ball over the unguarded net on his weaker left foot.

Ramsey is getting himself into great positions but is either not being found or not taking his chances. Once he finds his range I think he contribution to the goal difference column will be invaluable.

Gervinho also should have scored a minute later but fired at the feet of Tim Howard. A few more half chances were created before the half came to an end but we just could not get the ball over the line.

While the old saying is true that it is more of a worry when you do not create the chances, it is still a slight concern when we do not make the most of what we do make. Luckily for us we are more stable, defend better as a team so it is not as easy to punish us for being generous in front of goal.

In the second half, Everton had slammed the door shut on Tim Howard’s goal and chances were far more limited as opposed to the open invite that we were given in the first half.

Robin van Persie was not having a good game, he was uncharacteristically losing possession and he was not able to influence the game as he usually does. Well that was the case until 70 minutes when Song who had played a number of over hit passes in the final third, played a perfectly floated pass to van Persie who spun off his man and volleyed first time past Howard and in off the post. A world class strike from a world class striker.

It was a game that needed something a little special in the final third and Robin provided just that, even if not playing at his best. That is what he gives us and we need that from other members of the squad. When not on song, still able to pick out that rabbit from the hat.

I thought Koscielny was outstanding playing back in his usual center back position. His desire to win the ball in the air is underrated. He is known for his ability to win the ball on the ground but I was hugely impressed with the amount of balls he won against the likes of Fellaini. Thomas Vermaelen adapted well to left back although isn’t as much of an influence going forward as Santos.

Everton put in more late balls into the box in an attempt to salvage something from the game but the defence held firm. There were plenty of decent performances from our guys. Mertesacker was calm and distributed the ball very well. Arteta was his usual hardworking self. Gervinho and Walcott probed all afternoon and worked very hard for the team.

Everton managed only one effort on target over the full 90 minutes which just proves how well we defended from front to back.

All in all a very good three points and we are now in the top four, well at least until tomorrow when Chelsea take on Manchester City at Stamford Bridge. If the fundamentals of the team remain and the organisation and graft is in place from now until the end of the season then this team is capable of anything.

Long may it continue.

Man of the match: Laurent Koscielny