Sean Dyche will take charge of his first Everton game as he seeks a difficult result against league leaders Arsenal.
It has been a daunting season for Everton fans and players, with their side languishing in the relegation zone. Their dismal form, off-field problems, and supporter mistrust in the board have led to an overwhelming crisis at Goodison Park. It also resulted in Frank Lampard’s dismissal. And the job does not get easier for Everton, who face Arsenal next.
Everton have appointed former Burnley manager Sean Dyche. He will experience a baptism of fire in his first game in charge against Arsenal. However, the appointment may eventually prove its worth as Dyche has the experience to maneuver relegation battles.
The manager may have liked a different fixture to kick-start his reign at Goodison Park, especially when the club and the supporters are desperate for positive results. The mood after the transfer deadline has been pretty grim at Merseyside. Everton ended the window as the only Premier League outfit not to make a signing despite their best efforts.
Unlike Everton, Arsenal finished the transfer window as one of the smartest recruiters. They may not have been as expansive as Chelsea. But the Gunners were wise in pivoting and selecting their targets before swiftly sealing the transfers.
Jorginho arrived on deadline day to join Leandro Trossard and Jakub Kiwior as Arsenal’s three new signings. Mikel Arteta will now be able to give his full attention to matters on the pitch as he looks to fortify the stronghold on the league table. The Gunners got the better of Manchester United in the last league fixture, with Eddie Nketiah’s late goal snatching the win.
They also tasted what Manchester City might bring during their FA Cup clash at the Etihad. Nathan Ake’s solitary goal knocked the Gunners out of the competition. Arteta may have left satisfied with his team’s overall performance. A win over Everton would let them keep at least a five-point gap over Manchester City, who will face Tottenham on Sunday.
Team News & Tactics
Everton
Sean Dyche will have a tactical dilemma ahead of his first game. The current system at Everton seems disjointed. The new manager will look to create balance in the team by using the players he has to suit an effective system.
An update on the fitness of recent absentees Ben Godfrey, Michael Keane and James Garner. #EVEARS
Watch live: https://t.co/1ccBPE7kHH pic.twitter.com/bln8er5XYH
— Everton (@Everton) February 2, 2023
Considering his previous plays with Burnley, Dyche might return to a defensive 4-4-2 to try and get a positive result, if not a win against the Gunners. He has the players to perform the roles needed. And there are a few familiar faces on this Everton side, including James Tarkowski and Dwight McNeil.
Tarkowski and Conor Coady are the defensive stalwarts in this system, while McNeil and Alex Iwobi can provide width. However, Dyche will likely prefer Idrissa Gueye and Amadou Onana as his midfield options. At the same time, Demarai Gray and the out-of-sorts Dominic Calvert-Lewin form a two-prone attacking unit.
The situation with injuries remains unchanged for Everton. James Garner, Andros Townsend, and Nathan Patterson are still out of contention. There were positive reports on Michael Keane and Ben Godfrey, with Dyche suggesting the latter was close. But the three players will sit out the Arsenal clash.
Probable lineup (4-4-2): Pickford; Coleman, Tarkowski, Coady, Mykolenko; Iwobi, Gueye, Onana, McNeil; Gray, Calvert-Lewin
Arsenal
Mikel Arteta has a relatively tested system at Arsenal this season, and the manager may not look to tweak the style at this stage. The starting eleven picks itself after a consistent campaign with similar teams this campaign.
Look who's back with us 🤩
📍 London Colney pic.twitter.com/c8GPoNkO0N
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) February 2, 2023
Gabriel Jesus and Mohamed Elneny are the only long-term absentees, while Reiss Nelson returned to full training this week. Emile Smith Rowe will remain out of the Everton game, with the young attacker still looking to get completely fit after a long time out with an injury.
Thomas Partey suffered a rib injury in the FA Cup clash against Manchester City, and Arteta suggested he was doubtful. The news may have proved difficult for Arsenal before. But the Gunners can now rely on Jorginho to take his place in midfield.
Other than that, Arteta might not make any change from the team that started against Manchester United. After signing a new contract, Gabriel Martinelli will likely start on the left side of the attack. Leandro Trossard continues to push for a selection. Eddie Nketiah and Bukayo Saka will complete the front three as Arsenal seek a win at Goodison Park.
Probable Lineup (4-2-3-1): Ramsdale; Ben White, Saliba, Gabriel, Zinchenko; Jorginho, Xhaka; Saka, Odegaard, Martinelli; Nketiah
Key Stats
- Arsenal have won seven of their last eight matches in the Premier League.
- Arsenal have not won at Goodison Park in their last four visits, losing thrice.
- Arsenal have scored at least two goals in five of their last six matches in the Premier League.
- Everton have lost six of their last seven matches in the Premier League.
- Everton have conceded at least two goals in six of their last seven matches in the Premier League.
Player to Watch
Jorginho
Welcome to The Arsenal, Jorginho 👊 pic.twitter.com/jHXqAUBKKQ
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) January 31, 2023
A new signing often brings excitement among fans and usually adds a new layer of energy to the team. In Jorginho’s case, the reception was somewhat mixed, although his value is far greater for Mikel Arteta. In light of Mohamed Elneny’s injury and the loan move for Albert Sambi Lokonga, the emphasis is firmly on the Italian international to make a mark.
Jorginho is an experienced professional who knows what it takes to win titles, and he will prove a solid cover for Partey. The Ghanaian international is likely to miss out against Everton, allowing Jorginho to make his full debut in red and white, hoping to make a lasting impression.
Prediction
Everton 0-2 Arsenal
Changes could happen at Everton, but fans must remain realistic regarding Sean Dyche. He could make systemic changes to the team, providing for a cagey encounter at Goodison Park. The Toffees have the players to cope with their new manager’s tactics, as he looks to bother Arsenal and stop them in their tracks.
Mikel Arteta has proven his tactical nous this term with the ability to tweak styles to suit his team in different games. He might have envisaged what it may take to break this Dyche team down and should come out with three points. In the scoring form and momentum Arsenal are in right now, they might prove too good for this out-of-sorts Everton side.
