"We are still in it in our minds and mathematically, yes, and we want everyone to be behind the team to give us a chance. We are ready for a battle," Wenger said after the match, per BBC Sport. “Why should it be a two-horse race with one team three points in front of us? Let's focus on performances and after that we will see how we finish."
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Everton vs. Arsenal: Winners and Losers from Premier League
Michael CummingsMar 19, 2016
Arsenal moved within eight points of Premier League leaders Leicester City with a 2-0 win at Everton on Saturday.
Danny Welbeck fired the Gunners ahead in the seventh minute and Alex Iwobi—making his first Premier League start at age 19—doubled the lead three minutes before half-time.
The win kept Arsenal in third place on 55 points, while Everton remained 12th, at least momentarily, with 38 points.
Here, Bleacher Report selects winners and losers from the match.
Winner: Danny Welbeck
1 of 5
Danny Welbeck opened the scoring with an expert take in the seventh minute. After Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil played a one-two in midfield, Sanchez advanced toward the box and picked out Welbeck's angled run with a reverse pass into the area.
Welbeck's first touch was excellent and he rounded Everton goalkeeper Joel Robles with apparent ease. Having beaten the 'keeper, he coolly slotted into the empty net.
It was a fine strike that underlined Welbeck's place ahead of Olivier Giroud in the Arsenal team at present. In addition to taking his chance well, Welbeck also combined to great effect with the Gunners' other attackers, acted as a focal point at times and made intelligent runs at others. His speed, strength and skill on the ball make him a formidable attacker when at his best.
When fit, Welbeck should continue to start ahead of Giroud.
Winner: Alex Iwobi
2 of 5
After impressing against Barcelona midweek in his first UEFA Champions League start, Alex Iwobi recorded another milestone on Saturday. Keeping his place in Arsenal's XI, Iwobi repaid Arsene Wenger's faith with a strong performance and a well taken goal on his first Premier League start.
Throughout the first half, the 19-year-old combined nicely with Welbeck, Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. Supremely composed on the ball, Iwobi never looked out of place and always appeared at ease. His passing and movement were top-notch, and his goal showed the maturity of a much more experienced player.
In the 42nd minute, Arsenal won possession in their own half and started a quick counter. Hector Bellerin clipped a pass over the top, allowing Iwobi to run into space. Holding off a defender, the 19-year-old kept his composure and slotted through Robles' legs for the Gunners' second goal.
With each game, Iwobi continues to excel. His continued presence in the starting XI seems certain.
Loser: Roberto Martinez
3 of 5
When Everton take the pitch this season, you're never quite sure which version of the team you'll see. The Toffees can be such entertainers, attacking with verve and style. Or they can play poorly, conceding too many goals and offering little in attack.
On Saturday, they were decidedly the latter.
Everton were dire in this match, and manager Roberto Martinez has to take the blame. A week after beating Chelsea in some style to advance to the FA Cup semi-finals, the Toffees disappointed once again in the league, limping to defeat at home to Arsenal.
Maybe that was no surprise, though. After conceding twice more at Goodison Park, Everton have the league's worst home defensive record with 28 goals shipped. At half-time, Sky Sports' Matt Cheetham tweeted:
"Such a flat, disjointed half; completely outplayed. Midfield/defence so easily passed through."
Some of the explanation for that record might have to do with Everton being a good counter-attacking side. Playing away from home, where they often hold less possession, could therefore account for some of the difference.
But that can't be the only explanation for Everton's poor home form. The league campaign has been a big disappointment for the Toffees, and Martinez is under pressure because of it. The FA Cup run is providing a welcome distraction, but the manager will have to sort out a way to improve his team's position in the league.
Loser: Muhamed Besic
4 of 5
With Gareth Barry suspended, Muhamed Besic started in midfield for Everton. The 23-year-old has potential and could become a key contributor for the Toffees, but not on this day. Instead, his display only showed how much Everton missed Barry.
At half-time, the Bosnian made way for John Stones, which was absolutely no surprise.
"(It's) impossible not to see how much Everton are missing Gareth Barry here," tweeted the Daily Mail's Dominic King. "Arsenal running riot through (the) middle."
Winner: Arsene Wenger
5 of 5
Often a composed, urbane figure along the touchline, Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger celebrated his side's two goals with gusto on this day. Following two cup exits, he clearly enjoyed seeing his players bounce back in style.
And that's what this was for Arsenal—a rebound. The FA Cup defeat to Watford was unexpected, while the loss at Barcelona was not. But both were damaging, and their combined effect made this game crucial for the Gunners' self-belief.
Winning, then, could be quite valuable. Still eight points behind Leicester City, and three behind Tottenham Hotspur, Arsenal have to be all-but perfect from here on, if they are going to claim an unlikely title.
Arsenal need a miracle, but this was a good start.
