Arsenal cemented third place in the Premier League with a hard-fought win yesterday afternoon but were far from convincing against an Everton side just six points above the relegation zone.

In his programme notes Arsene Wenger had called for his men to respond “in a strong way” to the midweek Champions League defeat to Monaco.

They took their time doing that, Everton holding their own for much of the first half. 

This made for a flat atmosphere, the home fans frustrated until Olivier Giroud got the opener shortly before the break.

From a Mesut Ozil corner the French striker — who had previously sent a header wide when it looked easier to score — wriggled away from Gareth Barry and tucked the ball home with his right foot.

Lifted from their torpor, Wenger’s men then almost doubled their lead through Santi Cazolra with two minutes of the first period remaining. 

The little Spaniard sent a sizzling effort goalward only to see Tim Howard tip the ball over.

Everton could have taken the lead on 22 minutes when Gabriel got himself into a knot watching a high ball, forcing David Ospina to race off his line and stop the advancing Romelu Lukaku.

The Toffees again tried to take the game to the home side in the second half but at times lacked a vital spark in the final third.

Shortly after the hour mark Cazorla sent another spectacular effort over the bar before Lukaku, the Blues’ only real goal threat, forced Ospina into a top-class reflex save.

The result was sealed with a minute of normal time remaining, substitute Tomas Rosicky getting Arsenal’s second. 

A hefty deflection took the midfielder’s shot from the edge of the box away from the stranded Howard.

On the touchline Wenger looked relieved more than delighted, claiming his team responded well.

“The whole team produced a focused performance and a mental victory after what happened to us on Wednesday night. It was quite a shock,” he said.