Fourth place will be Everton’s to lose if they beat Arsenal, says Martin Keown

Martin Keown believes fourth place will be Everton’s to lose if the Toffees beat Arsenal at Goodison Park on Sunday.

The Gunners currently occupy the final Champions League spot, with Roberto Martinez’s men four points behind the north London side.

Everton, who have won their last four Premier League games, have played a game less than Arsene Wenger’s men.

If Everton win the game, it will be in their hands

Roberto Martinez

Whilst Keown feels the Merseyside outfit have bounced back from a dip in form, the former Gunners defender feels Arsenal have been the better side this season.

“It is a massive game. It could be a Champions League six-pointer. If Everton win the game, it will be in their hands but I feel that Everton are actually better away from home than they are at home so I feel it could be a draw,” Keown said in the Daily Mail.

“I watched them play Aston Villa and didn’t think they looked too impressive. After the derby defeat by Liverpool, Everton stalled but they have recovered now, though over the course of the season I don’t think they have been better than Arsenal.

“The turnaround between last year and this year has been remarkable, though.

“Roberto Martinez has come in and given them more attacking license and they have improved, though Martinez is still tinkering.”

And ultimately, Keown is backing his former side to secure their place in next season’s Champions League.

“I still see Arsenal making the Champions League but they need to find goals,” Keown added.

“They have been besieged by injuries and Aaron Ramsey’s hit them particularly hard, because taking one of the league’s top performers out would affect any team.

“With Theo Walcott out they have lost some variety and it has been left to Olivier Giroud to lead the line but in recent weeks he has been disappointing. If he can get playing at the same level as his early form then that would help.”