Andy Gray, Arsenal badge, Everton badge
Andy Gray joked Everton could not possibly have defended any worse than their recent loss to Manchester United as they impressively held Arsenal 0-0.
The Toffees, thanks in large to one player, kept Arsenal at bay in Saturday’s (14 December) Premier League contest at Emirates Stadium.
Everton’s strong defensive showing was in stark contract to their previous away outing when going down 4-0 at Old Trafford in what was dubbed an “abysmal” performance.
When it was pointed out by Mikael Silvestre live on beIN Sports [14 December, 5:18pm] that Everton defended better than two weeks ago, Gray jokingly responded: “Well it couldn’t be worse, mind you.
“It was just a case of whether Arsenal could find a way through and unlock the door.”
Everton stand firm to claim valuable point against Arsenal
Nobody realistically fancied Everton to get a point out of this contest in North London, but get a point they did.
Through a mixture of good goalkeeping and some questionable Arsenal decision making, the Toffees held on for what could prove to be a valuable point.
On a different day, had Abdoulaye Doucoure not taken an age to shoot, it may even have been even better for Sean Dyche’s side.
That is now four points from the past two matches for Everton, having thrashed Wolves 4-0 on the back of that Old Trafford disappointment.
Sean Dyche
Everton manager Sean Dyche [Credit: Imago]
If we take those two games as a standalone, it has been a very positive couple of weeks for the club.
That is not to say all is well for Dyche, who remains under pressure as the Friedkins prepare to get their feet under the desk at Goodison Park.
With Chelsea at home next up on Sunday week (22 December), a fifth point from the past nine on offer has to be the target from that one.
In other Everton news, the club have been told to sell an “unhappy” player within weeks.
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