Just when Arsenal's season seemed to be coming together nicely along came Wednesday's Champions League defeat to Monaco. It was an unexpected blip after their strong form domestically, with eight wins in 10 league and cup games, and the players will be desperate to make amends. In contast, Everton continue to prosper in European football but have really struggled in the league this season, sitting just six points above the relegation zone. The Toffees need a win today just as much as The Gunners but who will get it? We'll soon find out.

Premier League / Matchday 27

Emirates Stadium / 01.03.2015

Arsenal

Completed

Everton

O. Giroud(39')
T. Rosický(89')

Live

Live Updates

ByThe Editorial Team

Updated 01/03/2015 at 16:37 GMT

20'

Better from Gabriel this time as the clears away Garbutt's cross from the left towards Lukaku.

19'

Alexis Sanchez, on the left for Arsenal today, runs into the area but is eventually sandwiched out by Stones and McCarthy and Everton have a goalkick.

17'

Ospina to the rescue as Lukaku bursts clear after stealing a long ball from Gabriel's toes. The Colombian goalkeeper comes out sharply and parries the ball away before chasing down the loose ball and knocking it out for a throw.

15'

Lukaku does ask Gibbs a question with a couple of stepovers on the right wing before drilling a low shot against the defender's ankles, before Besic knocks a shot from 25 yards well over the bar.

14'

Everton enjoying 71% of the ball so far. Arsenal want Everton to attack, Everton aren't that bothered so far.

13'

First real signs of life from The Gunners as Giroud attempts a return flick over the defence for Alexis which is a touch too heavy and rolls through to Tim Howard.

11'

The corner goes right through the area to Alexis who tries a couple of stepovers before overhitting his cross out for a goalkick from the left.

That spell of control is finally broken as Phil Jagielka plays the ball straight out for a throw-in. Arsenal eventually work the ball out to Oxlade-Chamberlian on the right, only for Jagielka to knock the ball behind for a corner.

Everton play the ball around calmy at the back despite Alexis Sanchez's attempts to chase every pass down. The home fans are a little concerned by Everton's dominance of the ball so far.

John Stones stays down in the Arsenal area after that freekick holding his calf. After a short spell with the physio he seems okay to carry on.

Everton win a freekick wide on the right which is swung in deep into the Arsenal box. It dips dangerously but is headed way well by Francis Coquelin.

Gabriel has to hack the ball straight out for a throw under pressure from Lukaku. How will the Brazilian do against the robust Belgian today?

Everton, who seem determined to flood in midfield area, enjoy an early spell on the ball.

Arsenal kick-off and we're underway!

15:04

The players are on the pitch at a very sunny Emirates Stadium.

15:00

A win today will put Arsenal just four points behind reigning Champions Manchester City and up into third place in the table. Victory for visitors Everton meanwhile will send them nine clear of the relegation zone into 12th.

14:55

Omens? Everton have won none of their last 20 away matches at Arsenal. A win is more than overdue.

14:45

Everton have an often-criticised central striker of their own in Romelu Lukaku. The 21-year-old has only managed seven Premier League goals this season which, after a £28m move in from Chelsea in the summer, is not seen as enough by some people. He is the second top scorer in the Europa League, however, and at just 21 there is clearly still so much to come.

Image credit: PA Sport

14:35

One of the stories of Wednesday's defeat for Arsenal was the profligacy of central striker Oliver Giroud. The Frenchman missed six chances in his hour on the pitch and manager Arsene Wenger claimed it was not a difficult decision to drag him off once they went 2-0 down. It was a dramatic contrast to his recent form, with six goals in his last eight Premier League games. Which version of the striker will we get today?

14:30

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