Seasons2020-21Everton News
Everton vs Arsenal
Match Preview

Seamus Coleman could return after 5 games out with a hamstring injury
Improving Everton are back at Goodison Park in front of restricted attendance by fans for the visit of struggling Arsenal this weekend, hoping to press their top-four credentials with what would be their third successive win.
Carlo Ancelotti's side have registered impressive victories over Chelsea and Leicester City in the past week, keeping clean sheets in both matches and ensuring that they come into Saturday's match sitting in fifth place.
Ordinarily, a date with Arsenal would represent a daunting task for the Toffees but this time around Everton will be going up against the Gunners as slight +130 favourites, according to SportsBettingDime, as Mikel Arteta tries to get his arms around the job he took a almost year ago to the day.
Since then, the former Everton midfielder has guided Arsenal to an FA Cup triumph and won the Community Shield but the start to 2020-21 has not gone at all to plan. The North Londoners have won just four matches so far and just one of their last five, a sequence that has left them sitting in 15th place.
Arteta's cause hasn't been helped by red cards in each of Arsenal's last two games and it also means that both Granit Xhaka and Gabriel Magalhaes will be suspended for their trip to Merseyside. Gabriel Martinelli is unlikely to play despite coming through an Under-23s match as he works his way back from a knee complaint while marquee signing Thomas Partey is also set to miss out.
Everton have come through their own bad patch of results in impressive fashion as Ancelotti approaches his own anniversary in charge at Goodison and look to be on a much surer footing defensively despite the loss to injury of Lucas Digne and Seamus Coleman. Ancelotti has bolstered the back four with Mason Holgate and Ben Godfrey in the last two fixtures but could have the option of welcoming the club captain back from a hamstring injury this weekend.
Coleman has missed the last five games but has been back in training and might be passed fit by the club's medical staff. If so and his manager is ready to put him back in the side, Holgate is the man likely to make way despite scoring his first Premier League goal at the King Power Stadium on Wednesday.
Then there is James Rodriguez who is, perhaps, more doubtful for the Arsenal game. The Colombian had been training individually the past week after picking up a calf injury in the 1-1 draw at Burnley and might not be risked with the League Cup quarter-final looming next week.
Depending on where would be deployed, James's inclusion might require a tactical rethink in how the team plays, particularly in terms of their defensive posture and it would not be a surprise to see the former Real Madrid star eased back in if he is fit with a place on the substitutes' bench.
Ancelotti is expected to bring Jordan Pickford back into the team after he was rested against Leicester but the Italian will be forced into at least one other change after Allan injured his hamstring in midweek. The Brazilian's prognosis hasn't been revealed by the club — Ancelotti will, no doubt, face questions on that matter in his pre-match press conference — but he is expected to miss the rest of the 2020 programme. Richarlison should play despite injuring his arm on against the Foxes.
André Gomes was the man charged with replacing Allan against Leicester and the Portuguese could get the nod again this weekend, although Tom Davies is another option for Ancelotti to consider. And there is the possibility that other players could be rested as the manager eyes the busy run of games over the next few weeks, with Dominic Calvert-Lewin promised a breather at some point and the likes of Bernard and Anthony Gordon itching for more game time.
While they may be in poor form, Arsenal still possess plenty of quality in their ranks, not least Willian, Nicholas Pepe, Bukayo Saka and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who became the first Gunner to score from open play in almost 800 minutes of Premier League action when he equalised against Southampton on Wednesday. The Gabonese striker has also scored four times in as many seasons against Everton, including a brace at the Emirates last season.
So there will no room for complacency in the Blues' ranks in a game that calls for as much robustness and professionalism as they have shown in their last two games so that they go into the cup game and Christmas programme beyond on a real high.
Kick-off: 5:30pm, Saturday 19 December 2020 on Sky Sports
Referee: Andre Marriner
VAR: Michael Oliver
Last Time: Everton 0 - 0 Arsenal
Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Coleman, Keane, Holgate, Godfrey, Doucouré, Gomes, Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Richarlison, Calvert-Lewin
Reader Comments (177)
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2 Posted 18/12/2020 at 07:11:19
We really need Andre Gomes to start stepping up here, not sure what he's offering both defensively and offensively, i'd be inclined to go with Davies alongside Dourcoure. Davies can sit deep and keep it simple, whilst giving Dourcoure the license to get further forward.
Leave Coleman and Rodriguez on the bench if both are fit. I think our back four look very solid right now with the inclusion of Godfrey and Holgate playing in the fullback areas. We know will return in goal.
3 Posted 18/12/2020 at 07:21:04
4 Posted 18/12/2020 at 07:26:38
His use wide has placed the full-backs under continual pressure so is clear we cannot expect him to defend with any effectiveness. His only option is centre midfield as No10, but I suspect this is going to be done as a mid game tactical switch rather than starting line up..
Arsenal are struggling but the adage of Keep it tight and nick one hold true for the blues at this point, the end justifies the means..
5 Posted 18/12/2020 at 07:35:17
It might even be possible that if we play with a recognized right back Holgate partners a Keane or even steps into midfield, as frankly Gomes and Davies are not as good in this moment.
I have to agree with Christine, regarding DCL, I dislike the approach thats yielded 6pts, its noticeable Dom has had to create things himself. Hes red hot, and we need him to stay that way. We will have more of the ball in this and the Sheffield game, time to be more attacking a play to a clear strength.
6 Posted 18/12/2020 at 07:56:31
Against Arsenal, I'd be minded to stick with the same team we've been using. We'll miss Allan whatever we do. We just have to hopefully that Gomes (probably) starts to up his game.
If the game opens up or we need a goal then Rodriguez may be needed. But I don't like him + Sigurdsson + Gomes at the same time because we're too easily outrun.
7 Posted 18/12/2020 at 08:13:47
8 Posted 18/12/2020 at 08:23:05
9 Posted 18/12/2020 at 08:27:04
Youd even have to debate if Digne was fit tomorrow would it be fair to drop Godfrey?
This is the climate you need - nobody should be guaranteed a place in the side whether youre the stalwart captain or Colombian superstar.
Everyone should have to earn their shirt! On the Allan replacement Id go for Davies.
10 Posted 18/12/2020 at 08:51:49
Tomorrow's result will tell us a great deal about this Everton side. All good I hope.
11 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:21:46
Managers can make a big difference, negatively or positively, in such situations. There might only be so long that some of our lot can perform at the current level; conversely only so long that Arsenal can continue to perform so badly.
I wouldn't be surprised to see a draw. A battle of form and a battle of managers.
12 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:23:05
COYFB!!!!!
13 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:27:02
How long have you had your coaching badges? :-)
14 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:28:24
However, the noticeable thing about successful sides is the lack of sentimentality in their team selection.
They evolve and somehow manage to replace loved and admired stalwarts with new player that soon garner the same affection from the fans.
I am not saying, for a moment that Seamus should not play for Everton again, nor that other changes and injuries will not force the manager's hand to swap around players so that it becomes an imperative that Seamus is included.
What I do believe is that, by luck, judgment, or injury, we have discovered a playing system that has tightened our defence and has got us two wins against sides that are being lauded as "Champion's League Contenders".
So, for now, let us please apply the old adage that "if it's not broken, don't fix it" and see where this new formation can take us over the next few weeks - subject once again, of course, to possible changes forced by injuries.
15 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:32:33
16 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:39:14
17 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:55:34
18 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:55:54
19 Posted 18/12/2020 at 09:58:51
As always of course we want a win, but beware of the wounded tiger, is the watchword, but I don't think Carlo will allow that mindset to prevail and those chosen will be focussed on the job in hand.
We all love Mikel, but as long as any upturn in his fortunes come after this match, I think we will all be happy.
20 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:01:39
21 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:11:08
22 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:13:12
Seriously, spot on, lets twat them!
23 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:14:34
Olsen (Pickford)
Coleman
Holgate
Godfery
Digne
Richarlison
Allen
Dacoure
Iwobi ( Gordon)
Siggy (Rodriguez) (Gomez)
DCL
24 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:16:31
25 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:24:57
I would play Holdgate as DM and put either Coleman if fit or Jjk in at full back.
What has happened to the Rolls Royce that was Andre Gomes pre injury. Mentally that injury must have knocked him. He looks a shadow of the player.
26 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:32:52
27 Posted 18/12/2020 at 10:35:39
My concern over the many games coming up is just one striker (DCL) playing all games he may burn out. Tosun unfortunately isn't an Option. Does anyone know if Simms could be considered for the bench?
28 Posted 18/12/2020 at 11:01:02
29 Posted 18/12/2020 at 11:08:53
30 Posted 18/12/2020 at 11:16:21
31 Posted 18/12/2020 at 11:32:01
32 Posted 18/12/2020 at 11:33:06
Arsenal have been poor, very poor recently. But they got a goal, their main man scored, and a good result considering they played with 10 men against a Southampton that torn us to shreds. They could well use that as a platform. So we'd be stupid to underestimate.
For that reason we should stick with the same back 4 frustrating Aubamayang is key to winning the game. This defence managed to do the same to Werner, then Vardy, so same again. Coleman on the bench would provide good options if we need to up the attacking impetus.
Davies in the middle for Allan, with Doucoure resuming his role as defensive mid.
James on the bench would be good too.
3-2 to Everton. DCL double and Keane.
33 Posted 18/12/2020 at 12:43:35
34 Posted 18/12/2020 at 13:00:58
35 Posted 18/12/2020 at 13:40:32
36 Posted 18/12/2020 at 13:45:49
37 Posted 18/12/2020 at 13:49:09
Gordon Davies and maybe Bernard in.
Difficult to change the defense although I fear for Holgate and Mina fitness. Gutted with Rodriguez.
Si maybe Coleman starts too.
We dont have to lose confidence but worst would be losing more players in my opinion, so its interesting to see what the line up will be. Its little time for the players to recover I think.
COYB!!
38 Posted 18/12/2020 at 13:54:18
My vote would be for a 'soft' return for Carlo's favourite duo on the bench and start with the line-up including Gomes in midfield.
39 Posted 18/12/2020 at 14:00:53
40 Posted 18/12/2020 at 14:04:45
41 Posted 18/12/2020 at 14:16:26
42 Posted 18/12/2020 at 14:17:12
On current form we should win this game. The players are just buzzing and they seem a close bunch, l'm liking the attitude. If we can keep this run going through the new year that should see us very close to the top four and excitedly looking at the second half of the fixtures.
44 Posted 18/12/2020 at 14:35:11
45 Posted 18/12/2020 at 14:59:12
46 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:00:14
Pickford,
Coleman, Mina, Keane, Godfrey,
Doucoure, Holgate
Iwobi Sigurdsson Richy
Calvert Lewin
47 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:09:54
48 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:13:51
Gomes is an especially poor replacement for Allan as he is so slow and poor defensively. He is also a liability in giving away fouls as we almost found out again on Wednesday.
For me I think Davies has to come in. He's not a massive upgrade on Gomes and is less careful with the ball but is better defensively and dribbled past about half as much. I don't think either Holgate or Godfrey should play there but I guess its an option; probably more likely to be Godfrey who is quicker and has at least played a whole season in that position for Shrewsbury whereas I think Holgate has only played 90 minutes there.
It's going to be a tough match but I think we have to maintain the lower block and trying to hit on the counter. Hope the likes of Richarlison, DCL and Iwobi who have done alot of running in the last week have got enough left in the tank.
49 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:14:10
I hope Davis or Holgate will replace Allen. Siggy or james to play behind DCL who is being isolated over the past number of games.
50 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:26:14
51 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:43:57
No food inside GP.
52 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:44:31
As for Coleman, no-one is guaranteed a start, which is as it should be.
53 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:52:02
(ie: "here's a knife and fork sir, for the pie that'll never arrive")
54 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:56:24
55 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:57:02
56 Posted 18/12/2020 at 15:57:46
Anyone know if the Winslow is doing food, is a classic though!
57 Posted 18/12/2020 at 16:01:21
Pickford
Coleman Mina Keane Godfrey
Doucoure Holgate
Iwobi Siggy Richarlison
Tosun
Subs: Olsen, Kenny, Davies, Gomes, Bernard, Gordon, Nkounkou
58 Posted 18/12/2020 at 16:24:15
59 Posted 18/12/2020 at 16:38:12
So... would anybody here feel bad if our win tomorrow cost our old friend Arteta his job?
60 Posted 18/12/2020 at 16:47:16
Whatever happened to a pint of bitter and a packet of smiths salt and vinegar crisps? Some people are fucking heathens!!
61 Posted 18/12/2020 at 16:49:52
Eating food in a bar is normal. Having a beer and some fries is not a bad thing.
People who oppose that notion are idiots.
Do I have this right? #Merica.
62 Posted 18/12/2020 at 16:51:34
“Excuse me stewardess, I think I can help, I speak Jive.”
Thats how I feel reading TW sometimes.
63 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:00:01
64 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:07:40
65 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:14:30
Get an early goal and I dont see this arsenal team having the fight to get back in it.
66 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:21:09
67 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:21:34
No leaders, no aggression, confidence very low.
68 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:32:42
Tell me how many of those references you understand. For me it was probably about 40%.
69 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:38:50
No!
70 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:44:28
I have been a critic and I think its deserved but i'd still give him that chance and hope he'd be up for the challenge.
71 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:45:56
72 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:47:34
I'm familiar with all the pubs named but good to have a bit of insight re Covid rules/food etc.
73 Posted 18/12/2020 at 17:57:20
Worked for my team anyway!!
74 Posted 18/12/2020 at 18:08:48
75 Posted 18/12/2020 at 18:16:14
Will miss that chippy when we move to Bramley Moore.
76 Posted 18/12/2020 at 18:17:04
77 Posted 18/12/2020 at 18:23:47
78 Posted 18/12/2020 at 18:30:33
79 Posted 18/12/2020 at 18:42:28
Arsenal have a good squad of players but are having a poor run and we hope it doesn't come to an end just yet but Arteta' s position is under scrutiny I'm sure.
80 Posted 18/12/2020 at 18:47:14
81 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:02:38
As a young boy in a family network that ran chippies and take aways while I was at school, I do miss the old fish chips and curry with loads of salt and vinegar, a sausage chips and gravy, or a special fried rice. (Not sure if this makes any sense to overseas friends :) )
Living in London, there's no-where in sight to get a good fish and chips unless it's some swanky bar in the centre.
Ah well, living the dream through this thread.
82 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:06:41
83 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:16:27
Arsenal are still a good team and in the likes of Aubemayang, Pepe, Saka, Nketiah, Tierney etc they have some serious pace. Quick players breaking at speed against Andre Gomes and Gylfi Sigurdsson is a nightmare.
84 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:24:22
85 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:25:57
86 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:29:21
87 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:39:18
88 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:39:20
89 Posted 18/12/2020 at 19:57:24
Arsenal are wounded and despite their form and suspensions are capable of beating any one on their day, but so are Everton.
For me keep/the same approach as v Leicester and Chelsea, and take every chance. Dont stand off and get into their defence.
I reckon the same team that finished Wednesday will start, but Id prefer Tom over, Andres Gomes whom has a chance to make a mark, and put in a full shift, if hes picked, but it remains to be seen.
Siggy and Gomes starting, is dangerous as Ive said in previous threads its at times, been line being down to x9 players, when both start.
But Everton, with true grit and spirit can stick one up the Arsenal tomorrow.
Great to do a 6-1, like we done when Don Howe was in charge all them years ago, in 1985.
Seriously a win and a good performance to take Everton, into next Wednesday, and beat Manure.
Richarlison and DCL, and Siggy to score, tomorrow, and lets hope some other players get on the score sheet, and spread the goals around.
90 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:01:55
Win tomorrow and we stand a really good chance of being in the top 4, maybe even the top 2 or 3 by the end of Boxing Day.
Win against United and we are in the semi with a good shot at silverware.
Ideally we win both but if you had to choose?!
91 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:12:18
If we can't win both. then win tomorrow and draw against United but go through via penalties.
Talking about prioritising matches, just read Roberto Martinez saying he placed too much emphasis on the Merseyside Derby prior to the semi-final with Manchester United in 2016. That was prioritising was it Roberto? A 4-0 hammering
92 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:15:20
So me personally, we can make dropped points up, lose weds and thats it for one cup.
Im one of the older generation so had my share of success, it would be nice to win a trophy for the younger generation of fans.
93 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:34:25
Both are massive games in context and win tomorrow gives us momentum, like in 1984, and on to good times.
Beat Man Utd and break their aura of away match invincibility, and we are in a semi-final.
No pressure, but Everton are in good form, so why not win both games?
94 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:34:35
What is that all about, no gravy south of Watford.
95 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:37:24
96 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:41:07
97 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:50:41
I wasn't lucky enough to get drawn out of the ballot for the Chelsea game but tomorrow can't come quick enough for me now.
Just to echo the sentiments of some other posters, why on earth would you even consider changing our defence tomorrow? Captain or not, Seamus is gonna have to wait I'm afraid.
Full support, Blues, and Onward Evertonians, onwards to the Lower Gwladys! 💙💪🏼
98 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:54:25
Silverware would be lovely but the Carabao Cup won't earn us the benefits that being a Champions League side would. The attraction would be enhanced in a big way if we could breach that closed shop.
100 Posted 18/12/2020 at 20:59:09
I hope we pile the pressure on Arteta. With how inconsistent we are though I can see us losing this.
I hate Arsenal.
101 Posted 18/12/2020 at 21:05:25
Olsen
Holgate Mina Keane Godfre
Davies Doucouré Sigurdsson
Iowbi Calvert-Lewin Richarlison
An Everton with Olsen in goal makes the team more secure defensively.
The back four picks itself on the same basis of also making the Everton more secure defensively. Arsenal will be no slouches tomorrow.
Davies (not Gomes) is the one who should replace Allan in midfield because he is less likely to give away foolish free-kicks or the odd penalty here or there.
Upfront picks itself; that's the best Everton have.
102 Posted 18/12/2020 at 21:08:07
Ancelotti will need a creative player to open them up. Both Sigurdsson and Gomes are not good enough and a gift to the Arsenal defense. Richarlison is easily managed by Arsenal channelling his play.
This will be an interesting game and Arsenal are a barometer of how Everton are progressing.
103 Posted 18/12/2020 at 21:26:40
Beside, I've despised Man Utd for longer than I've been a Blue. Before I was recruited by Sheedy in '85, my favorite English club was whoever Man Utd was playing that day.
104 Posted 18/12/2020 at 21:46:03
The top 4 generally win the silverware anyway and the Champions League helps you keep players.
Long term, I'd take the Champions League status all day.
105 Posted 18/12/2020 at 22:04:34
I know a Wigan fan, and I asked him when they got relegated if he would have rather stayed in the Premier League or won the FA Cup? Straight away he said, "Win the Cup!"
106 Posted 18/12/2020 at 22:21:00
It couldn't be more obvious. We win a cup this season I am delighted but even that is a big ask and it will scare the big clubs and they will want our players.
Of course, that will happen if we get into the top 4 but then you can pay bigger wages and attract quality.
To be successful it is the only way forward as far as I can see.
Theres nothing wrong with your hunger for a trophy either by the way.
Obviously the Wigan fan would have preferred that one trophy in his lifetime. I am not really up for that.
107 Posted 18/12/2020 at 22:25:58
At Everton, he would be as good as Naismith: pretty good but not good enough. Never starting, seldom playing. He's their hero now at Norwich so that's it.
108 Posted 18/12/2020 at 22:45:06
The ultimate goal for the club has to be that it is a serious challenger for the top 4 every season, so it's the league that matters most. Anything less is not good enough. As Paul above says, all else follows... and yes, why not pick up a cup on the way?
109 Posted 18/12/2020 at 22:48:30
We were poor but we never had to suffer a margarine butty with sugar like some of our neighbours who we called scruffs!
I bet our American cousins can't decipher that one.
110 Posted 18/12/2020 at 22:57:44
111 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:04:09
Maybe not too privileged though, I thought scallops were slices of potato deep fried until I was about 16.
112 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:05:56
Top 4 hope for me. A cup win would be great but I'd much rather Carlo took us to the Top 4 in his first full season rather than won the lottery of a cup competition. So win against Arsenal!
113 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:23:20
Would love to beat Arsenal. My least favourite team other than that lot. We've got to get into them, press them and hit on the counter.
114 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:27:28
I understand the Wigan fan but Everton and Wigan light years apart in terms of Wigan were always (like Oldham years ago) destined to drop back down the leagues.
115 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:29:19
I think we've shown for years now that we perform better against teams that attack us, whilst often stuttering against those whose only ambition is to hit us on the break.
If Seamus is properly recovered then I like the idea of trying Holgate as the more defensive CDM with Doucouré being box to box (now he seems to have got his mojo back) and either Gomes or Sigurdsson in the number 10 role.
Personally I think Gomes has had some better performances lately but chasing back and recovery tackling will never be his strong suit so we shouldn't be reliant on that. I don't see the Arsenal midfield as being particularly mobile or physically dominant so I think Sigurdsson or Gomes shouldn't be overrun and their creativity can be an important factor in this sort of match-up.
I'm hoping Arsenal will come with a swagger and a superior attitude and actually dread them turning up looking like a lame duck and hitting us with a sucker punch (or two)!
If Mikel loses his current job as a consequence of an Everton victory then so be it (may as well hope for an absolute drubbing). It would just give him the opportunity to drop a level, get some experience at managing / coaching a more ‘average' team (compared to Man City or Arsenal), and so be better prepared to take over the reins when Carlo decides to retire in 5 years time after winning a few cups and getting us into the top 4 three years in a row.
116 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:29:56
I still have the high and low of last years quarter-final against Leicester, I still have Hanson's no handball final, and Terry Darrocott watching the ball bounce past him for Villa to score a late extra-time winner at Old Trafford, in the second replay final.
It is time Lady Luck was on our side. I can only recall the Oxford game, where we took advantage for this competition, so I can lay the ghosts to rest.
117 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:34:11
118 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:41:42
We simply have to get stuck in from the off and not give them any space whatsoever. In their faces from the word go and give them a truly torrid time – like they get whenever they visit the red shite. Now it's our turn. COYBB
119 Posted 18/12/2020 at 23:59:54
I am afraid Dominic Calvert-Lewin will have to continue and wait a while until the transfer window is open in January. But Ancelotti shouldn't wait too long to find those strikers because Everton are lacking strikers now, if Everton are going to make an impact on the league in 2021.
120 Posted 19/12/2020 at 00:08:25
121 Posted 18/12/2020 at 00:17:40
I agree with you regarding Holgate and Colmean. This would keep the desired Gomes more forward in his play. He would be man-marked to keep under pressure though. Sigurdsson is easily pushed to pass sideways, which will suit Arsenal all day long, aiding their channelling tactics.
What I mean by 'channelling' is pushing the player into difficult shooting positions, which can be easily saved, and cutting out final-third passes. Arteta may be the Manager, but there are a few old Arsenal backroom pros who can get this across to defenders. It's an easy sell. So, in a way, I agree with Sam #41 regarding Gomes and Sigurdsson against Arsenal.
The way to break Arsenal down is to turn them by switching play and vary pass delivery from crosses to central interplay. Rodriguez would be ideal if fit, but Holgate has good distribution and, if Keane can get forward a bit, he is not too bad either. I would like to see Gordon play to give them something to think about. . .
Doucoure actually plays better without Allan, which is difficult to work out. He got forward more than Sigurdsson.
There is no way Aretata can risk open play. I expect him to try to play as Liverpool did. The sods set up shop and tried to turn Everton defenders with long balls. They also used dirty tactics with their targeting of players. They were incredibly bare-faced about it, with the media bandwagon's help. Arsenal will not want red cards, which is a good thing.
It will be very interesting how Ancelotti plays this one, Arteta, a good Everton servant, is way over his head at Arsenal, unfortunately, and probably will sink without trace. An up-and-coming manager, imo, who will never darken the door of Everton, as Moshiri has learn't. Arsenal are about to learn the same lesson.
122 Posted 19/12/2020 at 00:22:43
Ah, yes, takeaways, nothing ever beat the chicken and sausage dinner from the Chinese at the top of Dacre Hill in Rock Ferry, gone now but never forgotten! No knives or forks, just fingers... lol
123 Posted 19/12/2020 at 00:24:08
124 Posted 19/12/2020 at 00:39:31
Anyway, let's have these tomorrow and watch them loons on Arsenal TV finally have a breakdown. They are really comical. Coyb
125 Posted 19/12/2020 at 00:50:18
Arsenal are stuttering but have enough basic class to worry us if they apply themselves... all depends which Arsenal turns up.
And which Everton.
Takeways: coming out of the Beachcomber, Babaloo, Pink Parrot or the Blue Angel at 2 o'clock in the morning the 60s... Chicken Chop Suey and Chips, tasted marvelous, tasted like no chicken I ever tasted before or since. But that might just be me being catty... meow.
So many cats, so few recipes.
126 Posted 19/12/2020 at 06:00:26
The inquisitions when you got back home after a win, some 12 or so hours after the match had finished. "Well, we had to queue up to get in (it went into extra time), queue up for a pint, then queue up for the chippy, before you know it!" Just as the frying pan was about to be introduced to the back of your head.
Yes, there was nothing quite like a good old matchday 'outing' – especially with a win thrown in. Somehow, I don't feel as confident as I did before the Chelsea or Leicester games, I just hope I am so wrong on that though.
Hopefully not too much tinkering with the team apart from accommodating the enforced change for Allan's berth. Let's hope the lads who are going give a rousing welcome when the team emerges from the tunnel.
I'm sure it must lift the players when they come out to that, even though there will be significantly reduced numbers. According to the weather forecast, it will be 'dry' but we all know how accurate those reports can be.
COYB
127 Posted 19/12/2020 at 06:20:50
I'd like to see Anthony Gordon play in this game! Otherwise – same as, same as!
128 Posted 19/12/2020 at 06:34:50
Arterta is under pressure, seeking to claim credit for behind-the-scenes improvements. It will be an Arsenal set up to defend and counter attack. Ancelotti could make changes up front just to mix it up a bit, with the benefit of rotation of the squad, which he has indicated as being necessary.
I doubt it will be the same team selection or formation as the previous two games. I have a feeling that Gordon will play and Richarlison will be rested. Bernard may play instead of Sigurdsson and Coleman will play to free up Holgate. Mina may be also rested. Ideally, Rodriguez would play, but Gomes will probably get the nod.
Ancelotti is more likely to take risks against Arsenal where he knows an under-pressure Arteta is more likely to try to play defensive, rather than the attacking way he would like.
129 Posted 19/12/2020 at 06:51:51
Did he find this formula? Or did injuries mean forced changes and it found him? Who gives a fuck? The important thing now is he sticks with it.
Some will argue that the system we are now using is "not attractive"... Fair shout. But again, Who gives a fuck? The harder we become to beat, the greater the belief the players will have. Confident players will play attractive football. I haven't seen tactics, or a system yet, which couldn't be played with a swagger. We must continue to pay this way.
The bookies have become accustomed to taking Evertonian money down the years. Not recently though. They have been sticking their chins out uncharacteristically far by offering generous odds. And I know many a blue who has landed a couple of hefty blows.
Unsurprisingly, the 7/2 on offer last week has shrunken to a miserly 6/4 this week. It would be easy to run away with the idea that this is an easier task. I don't believe it is.
Like Chelsea, Arsenal have some very talented individuals within their ranks who can hurt you even when things are not going well for them. The shrunken odds is more down to the way we have been playing.
I expect a similar game to last week... and an identical result.
130 Posted 19/12/2020 at 07:18:14
131 Posted 19/12/2020 at 07:18:33
Everton to keep the same focus and team work, and be clinical in front of goal, and get into Arsenal, and no sentiment for the “Best Little Spaniard, we know”.
132 Posted 19/12/2020 at 08:45:09
Our defence is solid and the forward line of Sigurdsson, Iwobi, Richarlison & Calvert-Lewin will create chances. I think Calvert-Lewin will have a field day against their centre-halves.
133 Posted 19/12/2020 at 09:08:18
I've no sympathy for Arteta either. Lost all respect when he kissed the Arsenal badge. Hope we stuff them and he is getting schooled by Ancelotti.
134 Posted 19/12/2020 at 09:21:09
Silva's downfall, was believing that the same system that works against the likes of Chelsea and Leicester, would also work against sides like Burnley and Newcastle.
Ancelotti must be tactically aware going forward and realise that he can't persist with this against teams who park the bus against us.
135 Posted 19/12/2020 at 09:32:06
I really believe Allan is gonna be a massive loss for us; that said, Gabriel is missing for them, so hopefully Calvert-Lewin can cash in. If you'd have said to me we would garner 7 points from the next 3 games prior to Chelsea, I'd have snapped your hand off.
Let's hope they've downed tools on the manager and we can turn the screw even more. Massive game if we want to keep within touching distance of top 4. It's just I've got a nasty feeling about this... Hope I'm wrong come 7:30 tonight.
136 Posted 19/12/2020 at 09:42:16
I would have Holgate pushed up into midfield to fill that gap, and Seamus coming back in at right back.
137 Posted 19/12/2020 at 09:57:59
Dont know how lucky they were, all we had was a sprinkling of castor sugar between two pieces of cardboard.
2- 0 to Everton by the way.
138 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:03:18
Losing Allan is a big blow, with Holgate being an obvious candidate to step in. And for any other game i'd go with that view, but let's just snuff out their danger man today. 1-0 could be enough today.
For what it's worth I think the boss will go with Tom Davies in the centre as he has a slight edge on workrate. Gomes has struggled, but for me Tom just doesn't show any qualities that demonstrate he is a midfielder capable of playing in a decent Premier league side. No pace, no creativity, hit or miss defensively, and coughs up possession in dangerous positions. But what do I know compared to Anchelotti.
Pickford
Holgate
Godfrey
Keane
Mina
Doucoure
Gomes
Sigurdsson
Iwobi
Calvert Lewin
Richarlison
139 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:07:11
10-30 this morning
The Big match Revisited
Everton v Fulham 1975 FA Cup
ITV4
140 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:08:49
We are lucky to get a manager of this calibre at our club.
141 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:15:47
I've lost count of the times I've thought "we could go on a run here", then we implode.
All I want for Christmas is some consistency please Santa.
142 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:20:11
143 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:22:49
144 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:26:07
Viv Busby ...... tosser
145 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:31:11
Plus a midfield with both Gomes and Siggy is asking for trouble.
146 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:32:05
147 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:36:47
Yes Laurie for Xmas dinner
Happy times indeed
148 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:40:12
149 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:53:22
My ignorance lasted until I was 9 and was sent on a "help an impoverished Irish war child" trip to New Bedford..
Was delighted to be offered the classic west Belfast treat scallops.. my hosts were less than impressed with my "what the fuck is that".. when presented with these white slimy things..
As for today.. watched Arsenal against Spurs and they were superb, despite the loss. This will be a difficult one but I think Gomes will step up. The rest of the team shouldnt be touched.
150 Posted 19/12/2020 at 10:57:31
151 Posted 19/12/2020 at 11:00:25
152 Posted 19/12/2020 at 11:05:56
153 Posted 19/12/2020 at 11:08:47
This could backfire but this one was doing the rounds on WhatsApp...
There are some horrible bastards about. Last night I heard a cat screaming outside. I went out to investigate & there were 4 blokes in Arsenal shirts playing football with a cat! I ran back inside to get my phone to call the RSCA but by the time I got back the cat was 2 up.
154 Posted 19/12/2020 at 11:24:12
155 Posted 19/12/2020 at 11:25:37
156 Posted 19/12/2020 at 11:35:53
I've been wrong in forecasting the last two games and this ones no easier!
I suppose I should pick Arsenal to win so as not to upset the sequence.
They are desperate for a win, If we can score first they may curl up with the pressure, here's hoping.
157 Posted 19/12/2020 at 11:54:12
I think Carlisle is the only club to have a one hundred percent record against Everton
158 Posted 19/12/2020 at 12:03:40
159 Posted 19/12/2020 at 12:10:47
Arteta's current philosophy is to (weirdly) bang as many crosses in as possible despite not having anyone capable of getting on the end of them so I can see us pushing them out wide at every opportunity which our 4 CBs shouldn't have a problem with.
Arsenal are still dangerous though. This is exactly the type of team we could slip up against after the last 2 weekend results.
160 Posted 19/12/2020 at 12:44:36
161 Posted 19/12/2020 at 12:48:35
162 Posted 19/12/2020 at 13:07:41
163 Posted 19/12/2020 at 13:09:16
164 Posted 19/12/2020 at 13:32:03
165 Posted 19/12/2020 at 13:36:21
On the off-chance you read this, enjoy the game!!
Happy for you both, have a great day and be the voice of 39,000 Blues lifting the team.
166 Posted 19/12/2020 at 14:00:50
Coming back to Paul the Esk's excellent analysis, we do need to be careful with this sort of recruitment. Glamorous as it is, the wage bill is already unsustainable.
167 Posted 19/12/2020 at 14:18:35
Not sure whether Deli Ali would be a good acquisition or not, Isco would be good but wages and the 'could he flourish regularly in the Premiership'? come to mind.
From what I've read and seen, he as immense talent, but is he a team player? If he was to come, and James plays too, there would be two not dropping back to help out, putting a lot of pressure on those who do and in defence.
168 Posted 19/12/2020 at 14:57:35
Shame on Palace and Spurs !!
169 Posted 19/12/2020 at 14:58:46
170 Posted 19/12/2020 at 15:01:35
I'm not really arsed about the battle for the tite to be honest with you.
We know Liverpool are going to win the league quite comfortably because there's not really a serious challenge to them this season, City's empire has been crumbling for a few seasons now whilst Spurs don't have the sustainability to achieve it, perhaps even the bottle.
My concern today is how we get on against Arsenal.
171 Posted 19/12/2020 at 15:43:27
172 Posted 19/12/2020 at 15:48:55
I am just parking up now as I have been given an allocated time of arrival of 1615 so not long to wait now.
I feel like a kid on Xmas morning.
173 Posted 19/12/2020 at 15:51:46
Are RS the only team to score 7 and concede 7 in separate games in the same season ??
174 Posted 19/12/2020 at 15:56:38
175 Posted 19/12/2020 at 15:57:54
176 Posted 19/12/2020 at 16:03:46
Id wait and see how he performs next season if he gets a permanent contract.
177 Posted 19/12/2020 at 16:08:21
178 Posted 19/12/2020 at 16:11:31
179 Posted 19/12/2020 at 17:17:38
That's a massive incentive to the players and encouragement for the supporters.
Let's give the lads a. Rousing welcome and mighty support throughout the game.
While Arsenal are not in good form they are hard to break down so let's hope we have a good game plan.
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1 Posted 18/12/2020 at 07:10:14
Overall though, Chelsea had more quality on show, and so did Leicester. These two teams were brimming with confidence too. I think the key to this game is our attitude, if we approach it with he same uncompromising and physical approach Arsenal are ripe to be picked off. Their defence is now vulnerable especially with their suspensions and we have plenty of threat both from open play and set pieces. There are a couple of goals for us to be had, at least.
For me the team stays the same as started Leicester apart from Allans replacement. Gomes or Tom Davies? Carlo seems to trust Gomes more but will need to get more out of him if selected.
The manager has got 10% more out of Sigurdsson these last two matches who is a bit quicker, a bit more alert, closing down better, reading the game a bit better, passing better his reactions are a bit better. All this is making him more confident too and like he is enjoying his football again. Its fine tuning so credit to the training staff and Siggy.
If the manager and training team can get a bit more of that out of Gomes it will be like having a new midfielder.