Arsenal soak up the pressure and finally get the chance to get forward themselves as Olivier Giroud is picked out by Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain inside the area. The striker muscles off Phil Jagielka but the defender does enough to block the shot.

Image source, Getty Images

Arsenal are having to withstand some pressure as Everton win a couple of corners, swung in by Luke Garbutt. Arsenal head the latest one away but only as far as Muhamed Besic, who knocks a deep cross to Kevin Mirallas at the far post and he twice has a go at goal, but both shots are blocked.

Riley Impey: What is it with Everton? Every time they take a step forward they take two steps back.

Cliff B: Everton this season - passing for the sake of passing and going forward about as far as an asthmatic beached whale usually.

Abdul Said: Just a reminder - as it stands Arsenal are nine points (or three wins) from the top spot. That will include Chelsea at home...

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David Ospina flaps unconvincingly at the resulting free-kick, taken by Luke Garbutt, before Gareth Barry shoots just over. Good start to the second half by Everton.

In a carbon copy start to the first half, Ross Barkley quickly drives at the Arsenal defence, turns Hector Bellerin inside out but his cross is poor and Arsenal clear. The Toffees come forward again through Seamus Coleman, who is brought down by Olivier Giroud and the Arsenal goalscorer is shown the yellow card.

Ed, Bristol: Arsenal second in Premier League form guide to Liverpool. Seems a bit harsh all this talk of a team on the slide. Certainly compared to the rest of the Premier League. Premier League on the slide compared to Europe. That's more the point.

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You would have to go back to 1996 for the last time Everton won at Arsenal, is the wait for victory set to continue?

The Toffees get the second half under way.

Image source, Opta

After almost gifting Everton the lead, Gabriel Paulista grew into the game and ended up making some key contributions, notably making a vital challenge on Romelu Lukaku while his one appearance in the Everton box almost resulted in Arsenal's second goal.

Image source, Getty Images

It took Arsenal until the 27th minute to register a shot on target and their nervy start is highlighted by the fact that Everton dominated possession in the first half.

However, once Arsenal got the breakthrough they looked a much more confident side, finishing with a total seven attempts on goal, compared to just two for Everton.

Jonathan Pearce
BBC Match of the Day commentator at Emirates Stadium

Image source, Reuters

"Arsenal started shakily. It took a terrific Gabriel Paulista challenge to wake them up and they lead through Olivier Giroud's goal. Early steps on the road to redemption."

Two minutes of added time but Arsenal will wish it was longer. They are firmly on the front foot now.

Wale Ibraheem: Olivier Giroud just had to score to erase the memory of that awful mid-week performance. Redemption!

Keaton Clark: Every time I watch Everton play there's always something missing. Feels like 90% of what they do amounts to nothing.

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Santi Cazorla rolls the ball inside on the edge of the area to open up space for himself before curling a shot that Tim Howard has to push over. The corner is then flicked on by Gabriel Paulista and Muhamed Besic's attempted clearance almost ends up in his own net, but Howard reacts quickly to hold the ball on the line.

Arsene Wenger pulled no punches in his programme notes in his assessment of the Gunners' display against Monaco, but he stood by Oliver Giroud and that decision has paid off.

The shackles are off after that goal and Arsenal are on the hunt for a second before the break.

Image source, Getty Images

Just what Arsenal needed! They win another corner and make it count as Mesut Ozil fires the ball into the area and Olivier Giroud is there to steer a perfect finish into the far corner, prompting double fist pump from Arsene Wenger.

We've just seen footage of the Chelsea players arriving at Wembley for the League Cup final, including a mean and moody Diego Costa who has a pair of earphones plugged into his lugholes.

But we're not going to bore all you Arsenal and Everton fans with the details.

If the first showpiece of the English season is more your cup of tea, we suggest you go to our League Cup final page instead...

A ripple of applause acknowledges Arsenal's recent attacks as the hosts enjoy their best spell of the game. However their foray forward leaves them exposed to a counter as Romelu Lukaku picks up a pass and charges into the the Gunners' area. He looks certain to score but Gabriel Paulista is across to time a tackle to perfection and end the opportunity.

Dan, Malvern: Here's a big chance for Arsenal to prove they aren't a team on the slide. They have the players, the manager and a stadium full of fans cheering them on... So why is my stomach full of fear?

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Everton have seven players back in the box as Arsenal come forward once again, attacking the right side of the Toffees defence as Alexis Sanchez tries to squeeze a shot through the crowd, but it is blocked. Hector Bellerin then gets into the area, but his low drive is blocked by Phil Jagielka.

Image source, AFP

That chance has sparked Arsenal into life and they are attacking with speed and purpose now. Alexis Sanchez passes to Kieran Gibbs on the edge of the area, he floats in a cross that Phil Jagielka heads away before Gibbs sends a tame effort wide.