By Chris O'Brien
May 12 2005

A stunning game at Highbury saw Arsenal extend their lead over Manchester United to 9 points as the Gunners laid down the gauntlet ahead of the Cup final with a superb 7-0 drubbing of Everton. The game was also evidence of why there should not be four qualification spots for the Champions League.

Manchester United face an nail-biting qualifier to reach the Champions League finals after last night's defeat to Chelsea, and now the gap between ourselves and Arsenal has stretched to nine points after the Gunners demolished Everton. Arsene Wenger's side warmed up for the F.A Cup final in style with a superb 7-0 drubbing of the Merseysiders, and will have left many United fans fearing the worst ahead of the May 21st final at the Millennium Stadium.

Arsenal showed a clear gulf in class next to fourth placed Everton, who have the North Londoners to thank for securing them a place in the European Cup after sweeping aside rivals Liverpool on the weekend. However, handing the fourth placed club a place amongst Europe's elite has to be questioned after Arsenal totally outclassed David Moyes' off-form side with a mouth-watering attacking display which made the Toffees look like non-league fodder.

Goals from Robin van Persie, Patrick Viera, Edu, Denis Bergkamp, Mathieu Flamini and a brace from Robert Pires completed an astonishing rout which was Arsenal's biggest win and Everton's biggest defeat in Premiership history. It was frankly embarrassing for the Toffees, who have had something of a Jekyll and Hyde season. They have done fantastically well to qualify for the Champions League, but if they perform like this on the continent then they are not worthy of competing alongside the likes of AC Milan, Real Madrid and PSV Eindhoven.

United have picked up just eight points from the last seven Football League outings, whilst Arsenal have shown some tremendous Premiership form and have not lost a league game since the Red Devils pulled off a memorable 4-2 victory at Highbury at the start of February. Sir Alex Ferguson will have to assure his side improve dramatically ahead of the trip to Cardiff, with Arsenal brimming with confidence ahead of the season finale.