Three points at Everton. Not to be sniffed at. Irrespective of how abject Everton are, it’s been our graveyard for many years now. So, coming away with three points, a clean sheet and no red cards is the best outcome we could have hoped for.
Sure, it was a bit laboured. Playing against a team who were committed only to nullifying our game and utterly devoid of any intention to leaving their own half, it was a struggle. Our possession stats were through the roof but all they cared about was parking the bus. They made Bolton look entertaining. I believe they had a few corners in the second half and a few free kicks but it was just dumfounding to see how little Everton tried to challenge us. Instead, they bunkered in for the entire game.
Within our possession game we cycled the ball smoothly and created some openings. If I was to be a little critical it was that we did not open up their defense too much. Poor Eddie was continuously surrounded. They did not allow for any space for us to operate in. But that’s what happens when a team play with a backline of ten players. The combination of White and Saka were able to open them up a few times but then their ten-man defense would all throw themselves to block any shots etc. Pickford hardly had a save to make.
Then there was the disallowed goal. Martinelli, who had been probing and teasing old man Young was set free by a perfect Vieira pass. Unfortunately, in addition to his perfect finish he also strained his hamstring. Personally, I find it hard to understand the offside rule these days. In this instance, everyone seemed to agree it was offside. Eddie was coming back (marginally) from an offside position. But Gabriel’s pass was wickedly deflected off Beto. So how was it offside? Because it was inadvertent? Instead, we lost a goal and the energy of Martinelli.
Trossard took a while to get acclimatized. The right hand side of this team seems to dominate now. That combination of Rice, Saka and White – the English side – plus Odegaard, seem to be more creative and threatening. Whereas even with Zinny and Martinelli, the left hand side with either Vieira or Have-that, just feel more ponderous.
The half-time team talk seemed to work as, in the second half, we picked up the speed of our play and interchanges. Chances were created. Odegaard brought out a save from Pickford and Vieira sniffed around at the back post on a couple of occasions. Trossard also became more involved. There were a few scares when misplaced passes from Trossard and also the wonderful Rice could have been threatening – that is, if we were playing against a football team and not a concrete defense.
Even with this improved momentum it was hard to see where a goal might come from. However, in the course of eleven – that’s right 11 – corners we figured out that we‘d not win any balls in the air. So, a number of the corners were short-ones. And from one, we created the goal. Forget the time it took to take the corner (if you’re concerned about that you should review Pickfords goal kicks and handling time) but the planned interplay culminated in the perfect left-footed shot from Trossard that was unstoppable. Completely deserved.
Thereafter Jesus had a breakaway chance but could not quite control the ball. All very reminiscent of the United game. We won with a corner routine. That’s six points from corners now. One of these teams will wake up and figure this out at some point. In the meantime, this demonstrates the attention to detail of our manager and his staff. If only now they could figure out how we might be able to take quicker throw-ins.
The selection for this game was obviously impacted by our return to the Champions League on Wednesday. Finally, the end of our own little Brexit as we enter Europe properly. Last year, at the end of the season, we paid the price for the lack of squad depth. Now we have a stronger and deeper squad we need to rotate to preserve both fitness and competition for places.
Replacing Have-that with Vieira made sense. I remain unconvinced by Vieira but also acknowledge that he’s showing signs of growth and needs minutes to develop. Have-that, will, with time, also acclimatize to our style. Trossard remains an enigma. He has proved himself invaluable but there are times when he disappears. Some of this depends on the role he’s been allocated. He’s not a straight replacement for Martinelli – no one can be. We will miss his pace and directness – and goals.
Maybe on Wednesday we will see minutes for both ESR and Nelson. Both must be itching to play – ESR in particular. At some point we also have to protect Rice. He was dominant again. He’s ability to recover quickly and stop their build-up play higher up the pitch near the half-way line is something we’ve not seen in decades. It is reminiscent of the original Vieira. Against Everton he strolled around and protected the backline and linked up play. He’s yet to add in the forward, directness of Partey but that will come. He’s been a remarkable signing. Worth every penny. But we can’t play him every game.
Behind him the restored pairing of Saliba and Gabriel provided the required solid defensive shield. Gabriel has to either work on his distribution or we need Rice and Saliba – and Zinny – to take the ball away from him. Gabriel does not have the same vision not speed of passing of the others. But with White excelling again at right-back and Zinny roaming the field from the left, this back four is clearly our best. Though when Tommy came on and restored the six foot defensive shield in place of the undersized Zinny, we retained our confidence and composure.
Which leads us to poor Aaron. I was not a happy camper when I saw the change in goal. As I’ve said here previously, I’m conflicted by the acquisition of Raya. It’s a lot of money and I think Ramsdale is the best goalie we’ve had in decades. I also acknowledge that Arteta knows what he’s doing and it is comforting to know that if Ramsdale was injured or sent-off we have more than adaquat cover now.
But poor Aaron. He’s been waiting in the wings for ages to prove that he should be the England #1 goalkeeper. So, finally, he gets his chance midweek and he starts for England, keeps a clean sheet (aside from the obligatory Maguire own-goal) and then returns to Arsenal to find out that, for the day, that he is now the number 2 goalkeeper. This was, naturally, the pre-game discussion point. Arteta, who wisely, deflects on most questions and won’t be draw on his strategy, should, for the moment, be taken at face value. That there will be fair competition for the goalie spot. Raya looked good yesterday; his distribution is just a little more rapid than Aaron. The worst outcome here would be if Aaron became the new Leno – relegated to the #2 slot. But, again, that’s not what Arteta is saying. The next two games will tell us a lot. If Raya is playing in both the CL and in the NLD then Aaron will eventually pack his bags. But I pray that is not the case. Aaron will have to play in at least one of these games. Maybe he’ll become the CL and cup goalie?
Would Arteta rotate the goalies between EPL games? That would be novel. I don’t think that has ever happened for a EPL team. The argument usually is that the defenders need to have an understanding of the positioning, strengths and style of the goalie behind them. If you change that too frequently, you’ll destabilize the defensive. So, as important as rotation is, let’s see how this develops.
A final word on Everton. They really are appalling. Usually, they take time to sink into the relegation zone before somehow escaping on the last day of the season. This year they seem to have perfected their approach. This was as abject and poor as I’ve ever seen them. There was no energy or purpose to their play. One of the mains strengths they have at Goodison is their vocal supporters – who are nearly up there with Newcastle. But the teams lack of energy was transmitted to their fans who had no chance to motivate their team and intimidate us. This was so unlike a Sam Dyche team and so unlike our visit last year. Maybe this is the year they could finally be relegated – just as they move into their spanking new stadium. Now that would be funny.
Another important week lies ahead. Beyond Eindhoven we have the improved wankers and their crying center-forward coming to us next week. They don’t have the distraction of Europe so they will be fresh and energized by their manager. This will be an interesting game. Unlike most games this year when the opposition parked the bus – the wankers won’t do that. So, whereas, we have not regained our form of last year, this will hopefully be the game where the more open approach will allow us to finally click and perform as we did last year. Sure, Arteta has made tactical changes to have us play more controlled football, but against a team that will come out and challenge us more, it will be fascinating to see whether we can revert to our more fluent and creative nature.
-LB7