As Everton prepare for their crucial clash with Arsenal on Super Sunday, we provide you with all the latest information ahead of the game at Goodison Park.
If the recent speculation is to be believed, Ronald Koeman has until the end of October to save his job as Everton manager. However, you have to wonder if he’ll even make it to the end of the month at this rate.
Koeman started the most crucial period of his reign on Merseyside, with a draw against Brighton & Hove Albion. And that was only because Wayne Rooney scored a last-gasp equaliser, from the penalty spot.
This was followed on Thursday night, by the frustrating 2-1 defeat at home to Lyon. As a result, they have now officially made the worst ever start to a Europa League group campaign, by an English club.
Next up, is the home clash with Arsenal, with the ramifications of a loss hardly worth contemplating. Regardless, Everton are off to their worst start to a Premier League campaign through eight games, in nine years.
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Fortunately for the Blues, there are facing an Arsenal side which is struggling for form themselves. If the Gunners fail to win on Sunday, it will mark the first time in 10 years they have gone five consecutive away league games without a victory.
Even worse for Arsenal, a defeat would equal their worst ever start to a league season after nine games, under Arsene Wenger. Not a good way to go, especially with a lot of Gunners fans already annoyed he signed a new contract to return for two more seasons.
Of course, the Blues and their fans couldn’t care less about Wenger’s and Arsenal’s plight. All they’re bothered about, is gaining some vital points and moving up the league table.
Actually, with Koeman struggling to find the magic touch himself, a game at home to Arsenal could be the best possible fixture for him. As noted by BBC Sport, a victory on Sunday for the Dutchman, would make him the first ever manager to win his first four home league matches against Wenger.
Heck, even Koeman himself acknowledges he fancies his chances. As reported by BBC Sport, he said:
"“If you look back to last season, we had some great games against some of the big teams in the Premier League. And why not against Arsenal? Arsenal is not unbeatable, it’s also not the strongest team away from home this season.”"
While Koeman has no issue with self-confidence, that may be as close as you ever get to hearing trash talk from him, a la WWE. Whether his faith will be rewarded remains to be seen.
For what it’s worth — no pun intended — an Arsenal win is actually the most likely outcome among the bookies. You can click here to get all the latest odds, via sportsbookreview.com.
Thanks to West Ham United and Stoke City both losing, Everton are guaranteed not to be in the bottom three when the weekend’s fixtures are completed. Regardless, Koeman desperately needs a positive result against Arsenal, otherwise the pressure to sack him will only intensify.
Next: A critical week for Koeman
Is there anything in particular that stands out for you from the information provided? In addition, what’s your prediction for the final outcome on Sunday? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.