Everton vs. Arsenal: Gunners Grab Third Place with Fortunate Win at Everton

It's often said that it's better to be lucky than good, and that those who are good get lucky more often.

Likewise, Arsenal's steady improvement over the last month has yielded a tremendous turn of fortune for the North London club, a change that was on full display during Wednesday's 1-0 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

As in, the Gunners were lucky to have that one Thomas Vermaelen goal stand up as the game-winner when all was said and done. Arsenal found themselves outclassed by the home side at times, despite dominating time of possession and letting fly twice as many shots.

Rather, their fate was boosted by some fellow named "Offsides," who showed up 10 times in Everton's attack, (at least) once egregiously so, when the referees disallowed a Royston Drenthe equalizer in the first half.

The Gunners certainly had their chances to separate themselves, though. The first 20 minutes of the match brought forth a flurry of golden opportunities for the visitors, three of which were miffed by Aaron Ramsey—much to the relief of every celebrity on the planet.

Robin van Persie also came up uncharacteristically short on some attempts of his own, including one in the second half from a Kieran Gibbs header that clanged off the post.

But, for all their flaws and mistakes, their chances not converted and Everton's opportunities allowed, the Gunners came away with three points and, with Lady Luck playing the part of Cameron Jerome's boot, a spot at third in the English Premier League table.

It's not exactly what Arsenal had hoped for coming into the season, but in another trophy-less year, every victory of any sort counts for Arsene Wenger. The Gunners won't have any new hardware on which to hang their hats, though they can take some modicum of comfort in knowing that they've improved considerably as the season has gone on.

And that help will soon be on the way, in the form of Jack Wilshere's no-longer-busted ankle and whichever (if any) high-profile targets actually make it to the Emirates via transfer this summer.

With that, and a little bit of luck, Arsenal will be back on track for titles, domestic and abroad, next season after building on a strong finish to this one.

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