Seasons2021-22Everton News

Arsenal v Everton

Lyndon Lloyd Sunday, 22 May, 2022 46comments  |  Jump to last
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Everton go into the final match of a mostly tortuous Premier League campaign against Arsenal knowing they are safe from relegation while Leeds and Burnley will battle it out to see which of those clubs remains in the top flight for next season.

Under Frank Lampard's stewardshi,p and thanks to remarkable support from the club's fans, the Blues finally dragged themselves clear of the drop zone with one match to spare and they can relax to a degree at The Emirates following the emotion of Thursday's dramatic win over Crystal Palace.

The manager could use the opportunity to ring some changes, although injuries in defence, where Yerry Mina remains sidelined and Ben Godfrey might not be risked, and in midfield, where Allan and Fabian Delph are likely to be absent, mean his options are limited.

Dele Alli could make his first start since joining the club on transfer deadline day at the end of January following his impressive second-half display against Palace and the likes of Donny van de Beek and Anwar El Ghazi might be hoping to get a look-in after barely featuring since they arrived on loan at the same time.

Article continues below video content

Arsenal need a victory and for Tottenham to fail to beat Norwich at Carrow Road if they are to secure their dream of qualifying for the Champions League, so there is plenty riding on the match for the home side.

For the Blues, memories of the last time they travelled to Arsenal at the end of the season with nothing to play for, and the resulting 7-0 defeat, loom large.

But this is a different, less potent Arsenal outfit and there is the prospect that an Everton side free of concern and able to play with a bit of freedom could spoil the North Londoners' final day.

Kick-off: 4pm, Sunday 22 May 2022

Referee: Andre Marriner
VAR:Lee Mason

Last Time: Arsenal 0 - 1 Everton

Predicted Line-up: Pickford, Kenny, Keane, Holgate, Mykolenko, Van de Beek, Doucouré, Iwobi, Gordon, Richarlison Dele, Calvert-Lewin

 

Reader Comments (46)

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Mike Keating
1 Posted 22/05/2022 at 10:37:02
Frank - Do the double over Arteta’s Arses to finish the season in style.
Bill Gienapp
2 Posted 22/05/2022 at 10:47:33
Man, this is great - just get to kick back and watch the match, stress-free. I used to think a season-ending match with nothing at stake was the pits... but now I feel like the king of the world!
Kunal Desai
3 Posted 22/05/2022 at 10:53:24
I imagine it will be a much changed lineup. Probably see Alli, VDB, Godfrey and Gray all start. Would like to see Dobbin given a run out.

Arsenal away on the last day of the campaign for us historically means a thumpings dished out (4-0, 7-0) lets hope its not another today.

Mark Ryan
4 Posted 22/05/2022 at 10:57:23
Would like to see Dobbin up front instead of DCL. I sense DCL may leave and si give Dobbin his chance. I would love to see us win. Finish on a high rather than another season loss. Important not to get thumped
John Kavanagh
5 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:17:00
Would be great to get a win today and finish above Southampton. It will be interesting to see how we perform when not under pressure and whether one or two of the youngsters get a chance.

It will possibly be the last we see of Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison and Pickford - so great is the pressure to sell under the FFP / Profit and Sustainability rules - probably to some of the very clubs the system is designed to protect.

I think this will also be Coleman's last game as captain, and possibly even his last first-team appearance. So if they are on their way out, I hope they depart on a winning note.

As for the officials and the VAR – Fuck the lot of you.

COYB, Please give us another pleasant shock.

Sam Hoare
6 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:22:50
How great to be able to look forward to a game without feeling a modicum of nausea!

I wonder if Alli may start? Or is Tom Davies fit? Should Branthwaite get an opportunity to redeem himself? Would like to see a little taste of a more optimistic future and I hope Frank doesn't opt for 5 at the back again. And no bleeding Andre Gomes!!

Pickford
Coleman Holgate Keane Mykolenko
Iwobi Doucoure Alli
Gordon Calvert-Lewin Richarlison

An attacking team that could well come a cropper with no DMC but let's try and have a bit of fun!

John Hall
7 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:27:52
I too would like to see Dobbin play today as it might be his last game for us. (I can't believe we've let his contract run down without an offer of a new one!)
Peter Carpenter
8 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:29:29
Couldn't sleep, woke sweating, bit fingernails to bone, went through permutations, checked tables, went through permutations again, put curse on Arsenal, went for walk, told neighbour to sod off for saying good morning, got lucky clothes out, went through permutations again, put lucky clothes away, got other lucky clothes out

Oh shit! Wrong post. I prepared this on Wednesday, sorry everyone! Where's the beer?

Will Mabon
9 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:33:56
Wondered about Dele Alli too, would like to see him for a full game.

Considering though the structure of the deal, and how we may or may not want to keep him, may or may not be able to easily move him if it goes that way... and the eventual extra cost after 20 appearances, some maybe being necessary early next season... will he be deliberately excluded today?

Oliver Molloy
10 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:39:41
For the first time in what, 12 games we start a game in which all the pressure is on our opponents. Let's see what happens!
COYB.
David Bromwell
11 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:47:57
Anyone know if the match is being screened and where ? Would love to us play well and win.
Gary Jones
12 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:48:46
Looking forward to the game today. Even if we get slapped, it's irrelevant now. Be interesting to see how he plays it now he doesn't have to flap about “at least a point”.

Expect Frank to make 3-4-2-1 a default, and rest a few, so I can see (or would at least like to see):

Pickford
Godfrey Keane Holgate
Iwobi Van de Beek Allan Mykolenko
Dele Gray
Dobbin

Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin off the bench only if needed. Otherwise, give Price and Welch some minutes too.

Peter Carpenter
13 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:52:57
Just hope we don't do a Moyes after Champions League football was secured in 2005. Someone called Patrick Vieira scored in that one. Now whatever happened to him?
Danny O’Neill
14 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:55:53
It will be interesting to see how the manager goes with this. I won't predict, but I can see us starting with a fairly strong team because we don't want any finger pointing given there is something riding on it. Not in the current climate. And in fairness, we should be seen to play ball. We would expect it.

A good opportunity to have a look at the likes of Dobbin and I'd definitely start Alli after Thursday. Hopefully that is the start of him rediscovering his confidence and attitude to match the obvious ability he has.

Derek Knox
15 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:56:19
Sam @ 6,

Yes hoping we go into this with the attitude of getting all 3 points and completing the double over The Arse. Like others have said, be interesting to see how we play and the team selection. Dele Alli made an immense difference when he come on for the start of the second half on Thursday night. What we have been lacking for far too long, just hope he can apply the same magic in today's outing from the start.

COYB 💙💙

Ian Bennett
16 Posted 22/05/2022 at 11:57:42
I'd definitely like to see some of the kids involved from the bench:

Pickford
Mykolenko
Coleman
Keane
Branthwaite

Alli
Iwobi
Doucoure

Richarlison
Dobbin
Calvert Lewin

Robert Tressell
17 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:03:07
I'm going to change my tune and stick up for Holgate. On form he merits his place ahead of Branthwaite. Excellent back post run and header for the Keane goal mid week and his defending has improved.

I'd like to see Dobbin though.

Allen Rodgers
18 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:03:29
David @11, I think I read somewhere the BBC are showing goals as they go in on iPlayer. Or t'thigh-player as they call it in Burnley.

Happy for our brave away fans who can enjoy a game at last. I know a few who booked travel and hotels many weeks ago.

Peter Carpenter
19 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:09:00
Robert, I agree with you. I think Holgate is a bit of an unsung hero. Since the derby he has been ever-present whilst all the other centre backs have fallen down around him for various reasons - goal and assist too. Like Iwobi, he gets a lot of stick but there is a player in there with the right encouragement.
Laurie Hartley
20 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:19:35
We should, in my opinion, definitely put our strongest available team out (whatever that is). Having said that I wouldn't be surprised if Richy doesn't start because it looked like he had a decent knock on his hip during the post-match changing room celebrations.

Will Calvert-Lewin be put in the shop window? Or will he be kept under wraps?

I think Dele Alli has earned a start.

Pickford,
Coleman Holgate, Keane, Mykolenko
Gordon, Iwobi, Allan, Gray
Richarlison, Alli

If Richarlison isn't fit Calvert-Lewin (unless he is under wraps), in which case, Dobbin.

I think we might spring a surprise in this one.

Fran Mitchell
21 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:27:53
Focus should be on winning the match. End the season on a high.

No point just playing kids for the sake of it. Hopefully some young players will make the step up over the summer, and time off the bench towards the end maybe.

But play to win. Finish 15th, an extra 2 million in prize money, and psychologically finishing above Southampton will be a positive end note.

4-3-3: Mykolenko, Coleman, Keane, Holgate.
Iwobi, Alli, Allan.
Calvert-Lewin, Richarlison, Gordon.

Tony Everan
22 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:32:41
We may well be surprised by Frank fielding a strong team. If we win it looks like we move up to 15th. Each position is worth about £1.8M? That would be our net summer transfer budget sorted!

I've just read £11M for 16th, £13.2M for 15th. In our financial position, £2.2M is not to be taken too lightly.

Derek Thomas
23 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:35:59
No – "After the Lord Mayors Show", 7-0, "got the flip flops and sunnies on" – capitulation please.

Other than that, just go out and hammer them.

Rob Hooton
24 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:47:02
I reckon Alli will be right up for this after so many years at Spurs, imagine he is still mates with a load of them so he would be in the team for me – he has played some decent cameo roles of late.

Nice to be stress-free for a change!

Howard Don
25 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:49:14
John Hall (7) Didn’t Dobbin sign a new deal in January, takes him through to 2025?
Geoff Hind
26 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:52:50
John (7) - Dobin signed untill June 2025, new contract signed in January. Loan out next year?
John Hall
27 Posted 22/05/2022 at 12:57:04
Okay, thanks for the info, Howard and Geoff – I guess ToffeeWeb are a little behind the times on contract situations. :) I must have missed it on the OS. Apologies.
Frank Crewe
28 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:05:19
Hopefully whatever side Frank picks they will be able to play with a lot more freedom now that the threat of relegation has been lifted. They can give it a go and if we lose it doesn't matter anyway.
Ajay Gopal
29 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:08:38
I can now come back with my pre-match lineup predictions! I agree that Frank should play to win this one, although there is likely to be a hangover from the massive emotions of Thursday night.

Richarlison seemed to pick up a knock in the game, and after all his exertions deserves a bit of a rest. Coleman and Gordon also need a break. I would go 4-3-3:

Pickford
Kenny Keane Holgate Mykolenko
Iwobi Doucoure Allan
Gray Calvert-Lewin Alli

Subs: Godfrey, Coleman, Davies, Price, Begovic, Gordon, Richarlison, Dobbin.

I wouldn’t play Van de Beek and El Ghazi - what is the point? Would like to see Davies get on the pitch - we have missed him more than we realise.

We can win this - first win at Arsenal in how many years?

Ian Riley
30 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:10:47
A day to just play. No pressure, no worries. Everton to score 3! For the fans. Well done this season travelling and immense support!

Tom Bowers
31 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:11:05
So many possibilities and so many opinions about the comings and goings.

Just fascinating and as people have said it is so nice to finally relax after so much tension in previous weeks both with the team and us fans.

Would be nice to win but with the Gunners needing the points it's unlikely.

Frank should give Dobbin and Alli starts along with a few others but it is more likely they will come on at the half.

One thing I would like to say is that young Gordon really looks the part for next season. He has done well and shown a lot of good things and if he can be more consistent with his end product he could really stamp his arrival in the Prem. Reminds me of a young Luca Modric.

Barry Thompson
32 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:14:50
Hoping for a good draw or a sneaky win just to piss off the Gooners, now that would be a great end to an utterly shit season and a final big thank you to the travelling Goodison gang.

Also hope Burnley stay up just as a thanks for Dobbo and Tricky. Nothing to do with the fact that I fookin hate Leeds and Newcastle and there arsehole Neanderthal fan base by the way.

Dermot O'Brien
33 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:15:36
Ajay we won there last season. Remember that poxy own goal off the keeper.
We've beaten Arsenal in the last 3 games. And we'll win today.
UTFT
Ray Said
34 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:24:02
We should have a mentality of setting out to win every time we play and any time we play. Set out to win the toss, win every throw-in, win every tackle, win every argument. Winning comes from winning.
Raymond Fox
35 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:38:19
I notice the usual top 6 are again occupying the 6 top positions.

Although I have no love for any of them because of their unfair advantage over the rest of us, I do think that Frank should play our strongest fit team as Spurs and Arsenal are still playing for 4th place.

We would have been outraged if Leeds's and Burnley's opposition had fielded weakened teams.

Neil Lawson
36 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:39:01
I have never attempted to forecast the team publicly on TW. However 50p on Davies (if fit) and Branthwaite to start with Price, Dobbin and Welch off the bench.

And come on, City!!

Lyndon Lloyd
Editorial Team
37 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:42:02
I bashed this out in the middle of traveling to London and clean forgot about Richarlison’s injury from the other night. Predicted XI amended above accordingly.
Sam Hoare
38 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:43:05
I wonder how much the unusual Alli contract affect his playing time? Was it £10m after 20 appearances? If so I believe he has made 10 already.

Will be interesting to see his future and whether Frank sees him becoming an integral part of the team. Personally I’ve not seen that much that makes me think he’d be worth spending £20m+ on so far but then it’s hard to get into the groove without starting matches.

Will Mabon
39 Posted 22/05/2022 at 13:45:26
Raymond, over the long haul, the table nearly always ends that way, eh? Just reaffirms the status quo, really. The statistical reality. The five subs are another little click of the ratchet to keep it drifting in the desired direction.

Ray @ 34 - agreed.

Peter Neilson
40 Posted 22/05/2022 at 14:01:25
I read that due to the complexity of the deal just to break even we’d need £20m for Alli if we sell him this summer. Instead it would be great if he turned his career around with us. By now Frank will have a good idea on the likelihood of this.
Danny O’Neill
41 Posted 22/05/2022 at 14:06:33
Despite the early doubts and lingering concerns about Alli's attitude, he certainly looked part of it on Thursday. The clip where he runs and pulls Gordon away from the camera to get him back in the changing.

It genuinely feels like Lampard is unifying this squad. And will do whoever is part of it next season.

David Hallwood
42 Posted 22/05/2022 at 14:16:42
Short and sweet, Lyndon. I'd like to take the 2nd-half midfield from the Palace game of Iwobi, Dele, Doucouré, and see how it performs against a much better side than Palace, that have something to play for.

My front 3 would be Gray, Calvert-Lewin and Dobbin, and give Richarlison & Gordon a much-needed rest.

Phil (Kelsall) Roberts
43 Posted 22/05/2022 at 14:31:38
Didn't Alli earn us £20M on Thursday night?
Stu Darlington
44 Posted 22/05/2022 at 14:38:36
I think this result will hinge on the mentality side of the game.

Do we have anything emotionally left in the tank after Thursdays game? Or will we be able to play with freedom and enjoyment now a weight has been lifted off us?

Will Arsenal believe they can really better Spurs result at Norwich and play for a Champions League spot? Who knows?
At least we can enjoy the game with no pressure. I'd like to see us play our strongest team with a good use of younger players from the bench.

I agree with Ajay, I can't see the point of playing Van de Beek or El Ghazi as they won't be here next season.

Mike Gaynes
45 Posted 22/05/2022 at 14:40:16
Principle requires that we put out the best lineup we can -- there is something at stake for Arsenal, however unlikely their chances -- but Richarlison won't play. And perhaps Davies for the tired Doucouré?
Andrew Cunningham
46 Posted 23/05/2022 at 12:57:37
I can’t do this anymore. I love EFC. But the sleepless nights and the never-ending agony is starting to take its toll on my ancient body and soul. Once you’re touched and all that, is for the more adventurous young person. I really cannot take anymore.

"Go, Everton Go" is something I have been screaming for more years than I remember. Right let’s start by beating the gooners on Sunday, sign a few players who want to play for the badge and see what happens.

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