CarlingNet - No 1 for Match Reports

Everton v Arsenal 01/03/97 3.00

Everton                 (0) 0 Arsenal                 (2) 2 FT
                              Bergkamp 21
                              Wright 27

Ian Wright chalked up his 25th goal of the season today to heap more misery on Everton manager Joe Royle.

The controversial Arsenal striker added their second in the 27th minute after Dennis Bergkamp had opened the scoring six minutes earlier.

But Wright, who now begins a two-match ban, blotted his copybook by being one of eight players booked by whistle-happy referee Paul Danson.

Arsenal won at a canter despite being without first team regulars David Seaman, Tony Adams, Steve Bould and Paul Merson, who were all injured, while they were also without the suspended Ray Parlour.

But even their second string side were too quick and too clever for Everton who are in danger of being sucked into the relegation quicksand after picking up only nine points from a possible 39.

The arrival of £5.75million record signing Nick Barmby and £3.5million Gary Speed was meant to propel Everton into Europe.

Instead Nationwide League football next season is looking a likelier prospect at this rate.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger virtually counted his side out of the title race after home defeats by Manchester United and Wimbledon.

But his players proved today they will still be pushing as hard as they can until the final day of the season.

Everton keeper Neville Southall returned to the side as Paul Gerrard picked up a groin injury in training, but the Welsh veteran was forced to pick the ball out of the net after 21 minutes.

Arsenal defender Nigel Winterburn hoisted the ball forward and David Unsworth let it go over his head which proved to be a decisive error as Bergkamp skipped away to send the shot into the corner under Southall's body.

Arsenal added a second after 27 minutes with a superb finish from Wright. Remi Garde delivered the ball into the penalty area and the fleet-footed striker turned quickly and smashed the ball beyond Southall.

England midfielder Barmby had been anonymous in the first half and was replaced by youngster Michael Branch. Unsworth was also spared further embarrassment when he was replaced by Craig Short.

Everton twice had good chances to draw themselves back into the match but squandered both of them to the frustration of the home support.

Graham Stuart floated in a corner and Speed got on the end of it only to send a free header wide of the post.

Then a minute later Arsenal defender Winterburn slipped as Claus Thomsen played the ball in leaving Stuart unguarded, however he smacked his effort against the post.

Arsenal could have added a third when Wright released David Platt but he scooped his effort over the top.

It didn't really matter, however, as Arsenal cruised to the three points with Everton going off to a chorus of boos from the frustrated Goodison faithful.