Vitaliy Mykolenko, Arsenal, Everton
Vitalii Mykolenko Everton decision clear after first half shredding v Arsenal
Aheed Abrar
Sat 14 December 2024 15:53, UK
Sean Dyche needs to make a decision regarding Vitalii Mykolenko after the first half between Everton and Arsenal.
The left-back started for the Toffees at the Emirates on Saturday [14 December] as Dyche looks to pull off an upset against Mikel Arteta’s team, with Jack Harrison also making the lineup.
While the Blues will be confident going into the game after their 4-0 win over Wolves in the Premier League on 4 December and having a week off after the postponement of the Merseyside derby, Arsenal are one of the best teams in the world on their day.
The English manager has decided to rely on the backline of Ashley Young, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite and Mykolenko to prevent the Gunners’ attack from scoring.
Bukayo Saka has been the Ukrainian’s priority for most of the opening 45 minutes and the defender has struggled to contain the England international despite going in goalless.
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Sean Dyche needs to hook Vitalii Mykolenko in Arsenal v Everton
The Ukrainian has had 21 touches of the ball in the first half, completing 67 per cent of his passes, as per FotMob.
Saka has terrorised the 25-year-old, who has been dribbled past one time and has lost 33 per cent of his ground duels and two of his aerial duels as well.
The left-back hasn’t been great going forward either for Everton, misplacing one of his long balls, failing to complete two of his attempted dribbles and creating zero chances.
Vitaliy Mykolenko
Everton defender Vitaliy Mykolenko. [Credit: Imago]
Arsenal have dominated the game as expected, and it seems a matter of time before Saka punishes the Toffees and hands them their seventh defeat of the campaign, putting the 53-year-old head coach under even more pressure.
Mykolenko looks like the weak link in the Blues’ defence, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see Arteta exploit it in the second half if Dyche continues to count on the Ukrainian.
In other Everton news, a January transfer update has emerged ahead of The Friedkin Group’s takeover.
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