1. Arsene Wenger will be proud of his side’s resilient and determined demonstration against Manchester City last weekend. Despite conceding early on, Arsenal did not look like they would capitulate as they had done against Liverpool and Chelsea, but they successfully contained City’s numerous attacking threats and pushed for an equaliser. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that Per Mertesacker led the way in defense with 13 defensive contributions (tackles won, clearances, blocks, interceptions) bringing his total this season to 315.
2. Santi Carzola posed a constant threat in attack and demonstrated his impressive creative ability. The Spaniard made 57 attacking contributions last weekend and has a season total of 1167, the highest at the club. He is 4/1 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
3. Olivier Giroud is Arsenal’s top scorer this season in the Premier League with 13 goals to his name. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that the French international has a shot accuracy of 40.3%; finding the target 29 times out of a possible 72 shots so far this season.
4. Romelu Lukaku has been outstanding this season for Everton. The Belgian striker, who is on loan from Chelsea, has scored 12 times in 26 appearances. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has had 35 shots on target this season out of a possible 55, giving him a shot accuracy rating of 63.6%. He is 17/11 to score at anytime with 888sport.com.
5. Gareth Barry has made a huge impact since arriving at Everton on loan from Manchester City. The England international played a central role in Everton’s attacking movements against Fulham, making 33 attacking contributions (shots on target, crosses, dribbles and passes) bringing his season total to 978; the highest at the club.
6. Sylvain Distin will be expected to help Everton’s defense contain Arsenal’s attacking threats. The experienced Frenchman has won 44 out of a possible 58 tackles this season, that’s a tackle win rating of 75.9%. The EA SPORTS Player Performance Index shows that he has made 349 defensive contributions (tackles won, blocks, clearances and interceptions) this season; which is the highest at the club.
