Everton will be a pumped outfit now after getting the better of Arsenal at Goodison Park. In a feisty encounter, where there was a lot of clashes and the tempers were running high, accentuated by the cold vibe between the managers on the touchline, Ashley Williams’ late header sent the home crowd into raptures.
Arsenal had the possession and chances to put the game to bed long before Seamus Coleman cancelled out Alexis Sanchez’s deflected opener, but they failed to turn the screw when they had the opportunity. And the second half opened up much more in light of the change in dynamics just before the half time.
Coleman, a full-back, was allowed to head home Leighton Baines’ cross moments before half-time, while Ashley Williams was given a free run to head in Ross Barkley’s corner four minutes from full-time. This typified Mustafi’s importance to the team. They allowed the Toffees to head home from the middle of the penalty box and it laid bare the Gunners’ averse nature to the physical side of the game.
Everton will be up against Liverpool next Monday and going by the fight shown by the Everton players here, it promises to be another feisty Merseyside derby.
PREDICTED EVERTON LINE-UP VS LIVERPOOL (4-2-3-1)
DEFENCE
Marten Stekelenburg will have gained a bit of confidence from the result and a couple of saves that he made. He has been error-prone in a couple of important matches and will need to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Seamus Coleman has been excellent attacking-wise and will look to translate that confidence when he has to defend resolutely against Liverpool.
Jagielka will miss the derby after seeing a red and will be replaced by Funes Mori. Ashley Williams will be pumped up after scoring the winning goal and his passion will probably reach boiling point in the Derby! Leighton Baines will be at left-back.
MIDFIELD
Idrissa Gana Gueye has been impressive and is doing exactly what he was brought in to do. He has been tireless and inventive at the same time which has lent solidity and the midfield has been more fluid.
Gareth Barry has complimented the former Aston Villa man well and his experience and defensive ability has lent balance. Ross Barkley will be in the No.10 role but he has to work on his end product and decision making which has deserted him in recent weeks.
ATTACK
Aaron Lennon was used on the left flank but Kevin Mirallas will be pushing for a start on Monday. Valencia was good on the right flank and is likely to keep his place.
Romelu Lukaku has been quiet for the last few weeks and what better match than the Merseyside derby to get going.
