Everton show defensive resilience and earn an important and well deserve point in London.
Sean Dyche’s toffees hit the road in the Premier League for their first match since a 4-0 thrashing of Wolves at Goodison Park. There was one change to that lineup, as Jack Harrison came into the side for injured Dwight McNeil. Calvert-Lewin played up top, with Ndiaye on the other wing. Doucoure played above a midfield of Gueye and Mangala while the usual back four of Young, Branthwaite, Tarkovskyi and Mykolenko started.
One of Everton’s best chances came in the 7th minute, through sustained Arsenal pressure. Mangala burst through the middle of the field and played through Doucoure. He was one on one with the keeper, but took a beat to long and Gabriel recovered well to block the effort.
The first twenty minutes outside of the Doucoure chance was all Arsenal, with the hosts holding 77% of the possession at that point. After a half hour of sustained Arsenal pressure, the hosts created one of their best chances of the half. Saka got past Mykolenko and Branthwaite before finding Odegaard. He fired and it took a wicked deflection off Tarkowski, fortunately Pickford was there to make a crucial stop.
After going into halftime at 0-0, Arsenal started the brighter of the two sides to begin the second half. They nearly scored in the 48th minute through Saka, who had a glorious chance. The ball fell perfectly to his feet in the box and he drove a menacing effort at the bottom corner. Fortunately, Pickford made an unbelievable save to keep the score level.
After some more sustained pressure from the hosts both sides made double changes. Everton brought on Armando Broja for Calvert-Lewin, who was unfortunately thrust into the same isolated role up top. Lindstrom was brought on for Harrison as well, as the former Leeds United man continues to struggle.
There was no more huge chances for Arsenal, and the match mostly fizzled out as the sustained Arsenal pressure continued to lack results. There was a brief VAR check for an Arsenal penalty, and Everton won a corner with nearly the last kick of the game that they could not turn into a goal.
Despite being under pressure most of the match, the toffees held their own well and battled defensively for hard-earned point. The backline was fantastic and Mykolenko, despite his recent struggles, held himself really well against a very difficult matchup. Dyche likely still would like to get more from the three of Ndiyae, Harrison and Lindstrom, who have been collectively struggling to contribute goals for the last several months now.
The point was an important one considering the murderous December and January fixture list, and it does not get easier. Everton will host second place Chelsea at Goodison Park at the weekend, looking to earn a surprise three points.
COYB!
About The Author
Leave a Reply