ARSENE Wenger wasn’t flavour of the month in Royal Blue quarters after his stubborn and inaccurate verdict on the recent game at Goodison.
Despite the 4-1 scoreline most neutrals understood that for large parts of the contest Everton were equal to the Gunners.
It even took some very un-Arsenal route one approach play to undo us (aided and abetted by suicidal defending).
So it was frustrating to hear Wenger lazily trot out the usual dismissal of our performance as combative and workmanlike, while the flames of incensement roared over Arteta’s sending off.
But now the Arsenal boss, who dresses like a biff in the gym* (more of this later), has got bluenoses grinning.
Goodison, says Arse, is more intimidating for away teams than the now ‘genteel’ cauldron formerly known as Anfield.
Speaking at the launch of Arsenal TV he said: “Liverpool is the same kind of support but Everton is a bit more aggressive because Everton is up at the moment.
“Over the last one or two years, especially, it has been one of the noisiest grounds and has a great atmosphere.
“Liverpool is the same but now a little bit more genteel.”
His assessment has statistical support too. In a survey carried out in October last year of the Premier League’s Noisiest fans, Everton were ranked fifth in the decibel league.
Liverpool, with their reclaimed Kop, were 16th. Manchester United were 17th and the mighty Arsenal were a mediocre 12th.
All great gloating, smug smile-inducing material - although sometimes we know Goodison need a bit of refereeing injustice or opposition incitement before we find our voice.
Walton's original and best Grand Old Ground can veer from quiet as a mouse to an inferno of hubris and fury in as long as it takes for a two-footed tackle, wrongly given off-side, or farcical booking.
Or the sight of Wayne Rooney.
Regardless, we all know stats don’t lie. Ever. So we’re officially in the top five best atmospheres. And Sunderland are sitting pretty at the top......ahem.
* In weird Larry David fashion I’ve bumped into Wenger twice in the gym on Old Hall Street. Both times the millionaire boss has sported Nicks-esque trainies and Eighties Ron-Hill style jogging bottoms, looking like a Geography teacher forced to take a games lesson.
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