Michael Owen predicts Everton result at Arsenal on Premier League final day
Michael Owen has predicted the result the final day clash between Everton and Arsenal with the club finally safe from relegation.
After the dramatic comeback win against Crystal Palace on Thursday (19 May) Frank Lampard’s side secured their Premier League status for next season, pending ominous legal threats from Leeds and Burnley (Times).
With the pressure finally off, and with Arsenal in disarray after two-straight losses took their Champions League hopes out of their hands, it could be a good time to go to the Emirates, but Owen still gives it to the home side.
He told Bet Victor: “I can’t believe what’s happened to Arsenal in recent weeks. Fourth place has been in their hands for most of the season, so to let it slip this late in the season is hugely disappointing. The performance against Newcastle was shocking, there was no desire or energy whatsoever. You would have thought Newcastle were the team chasing the top four.
“That was an unbelievable result for Everton on Thursday. I’ve said all season that the one thing that could save them was Goodison Park, and they delivered. It was a brilliant comeback, and Everton are now safe.
“I think we’ll see a pretty even game here. Arsenal’s morale can’t be good. I think they’ll win though, 2-1.”
Party time
For a team who likely can’t remember the last time they were playing without the creeping dread of potential relegation hanging over them Sunday will be a novel experience.
The massive high from the win on Thursday, and the second half performance that led to it, should send them to London bouncing.
Back-to-back defeats to Spurs and Newcastle have left the Gunners in completely the opposite mindset, so there is potential for a good result to send the Toffees into the summer.
While the news on Friday (20 May) that the two relegation rivals are considering a legal claim has opened up the possibility that top flight status might be called into question again in the coming weeks, this game at least should be a positive one.
There are reasons that the Toffees are at the opposite end of the table to their last-day opponents, but the landscape is finally different after weeks of struggle.
It’s as good a chance as any to get a win and give the fans something else to cheer after their commitment through the bad times.
In other Everton news, an entire host of players are reportedly available this summer as the club tries to balance the books, including stars that fans won’t want to see leave.
Be sure to follow Goodison News on Facebook for 24/7 updates on Everton plus more exclusive interviews with Kevin Campbell.