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Everton need repeat of Arsenal win to kick-start their season on Sunday

By Matt Townsend

LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Players fight for position as the ball comes across during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - MARCH 01: Players fight for position as the ball comes across during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images) /
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With all that has gone on off the pitch this week it was possibly easy to forget for a moment that Everton have a match tomorrow against Arsenal as the Premier League resumes this weekend.

Tomorrow afternoon Sean Dyche’s side line up against the Gunners with an urgent need for a repeat of February’s win over the same opponents in Dyche’s first game in charge.

This comes 48 hours or so after news has broken that Everton owner Farhad Moshiri has agreed to sell the club to 777 Partners.

While none of this background noise will presumably have an impact on the team, they have as we all know accured only a single point in their first four matches in what is a truly pitiful return to start the season with.

The Toffees did at least score their first goals of the campaign in the 2-2 draw at Sheffield United in their last game before the international break.

Scoring goals is still arguably the most pressing problem facing the Blues boss as he ponders his team for tomorrow’s match at Goodison Park.

In what was another disappointing summer transfer window with a lack of incomings and many players departing leaving the squad short of numbers, the one really positive move was the signing of Portuguese striker Beto.

His arrival late in the window provided Dyche with some desperately needed additional firepower and the former Udinese forward has provided a genuine upgrade with his pace, power and ability to bring others into the game.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin has also recovered from his last injury suffered against Aston Villa and might be fit enough to be on the bench against Arsenal. Although the manager has previously held him back as long as possible before bringing him into the side again.

There is a case for trying a partnership of the two players at some point, but I very much doubt Dyche will do that, certainly not in the game tomorrow afternoon.

Instead, it is likely he will stick with the sort of team and formation he has generally used this campaign as he did for most of last season when he took over the reins from Frank Lampard.

That means Beto probably starting up front on his own possibly with Arnaut Danjuma playing behind him unless the Dutchman is used as a left-sided attacker.

Dwight McNeil might also be available as he has returned from injury and came on late in the match at Sheffield United.

If he is fit it will be a major boost for Dyche to have his most creative player and last season’s leading scorer back in the side.

The other problem area has been defence where Everton have conceded an alarming eight goals so far.

One bright spot at the back has been the form of Jarrad Branthwaite who has stepped into the team and looks tailor-made for the Premier League with his composure, ability on the ball and strength in the air.

Can the Blues possible repeat January’s win over the Gunners tomorrow? I doubt it will happen again and I think a point is probalby the best that can be hoped for.