Everton: 3 Reasons why the Toffees are the favourites to beat Arsenal

Ben Godfrey has done a tremendous job in an unfaimiliar left back role.

Everton’s Defensive Performances

I’ve previously mentioned that Arteta’s men have struggled to score goals, which is a huge problem for Arsenal considering Everton are coming off two clean sheets against two teams that finished in the top six last season. Ancelotti seems to have found a unique way of getting the most out of the defenders that he has and this idea of playing four centre-backs has actually worked for the Toffees.

Mason Holgate seems to have gotten back to his old self, arguably making a case to keep the returning Seamus Coleman out of the squad with his fantastic displays against both Chelsea and Leicester, and his link-up with Alex Iwobi has shown the chemistry this Everton squad is starting to develop.

Ben Godfrey is also another stand-out name, the 22-year old was placed at left-back and hasn’t looked back yet, he stood out especially in the Chelsea game, with the former Norwich man managing to keep Timo Werner quiet for the entire time.

Godfrey has shown his raw athleticism and is putting it to use in the full-back positions, with him showing his ability to drive the ball up the field with speed that you wouldn’t expect from a centre-back.

Everton fans have also seen a more solid centre-back partnership between Michael Keane and Yerry Mina. It seems like the two have finally resolved their communication issues, with both of them contributing defensively in a big way, with Keane specifically looking like he can top his Burnley season that got him signed by Everton back in 2017.

This is also some very good news for Everton fans when Digne returns the Toffees will have four starting quality centre-backs, and along with prospects like Jarrad Branthwaite and the rumours of Max Aarons possibly being signed, it’s a very positive sign for Everton considering defence always was the big issue.