Everton picked up an unlikely point in their latest Premier League game against Arsenal.
Sean Dyche’s side were big underdogs going to the Emirates Stadium, but produced an impressive defensive display to take a point back up to Merseyside.
Arsenal dominated in terms of possession and chances. But Everton held firm for a point.
Mikel Arteta insisted Arsenal deserved to win the game against Everton, having won out in these particular statistics.
But Sean Dyche gave a good response to Arteta, insisting it is ‘highly unlikely’ for most teams to go to Arsenal and dominate the ball.
Everton didn’t offer much threat, but that was perhaps always going to be the case.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin started for the Toffees up top, but one man looks like he could soon be breathing down the Englishman’s neck for that starting striker spot.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin needs a big performance against Chelsea amid Armando Broja return
Armando Broja of Everton replaces team-mate Dominic Calvert-Lewin during the Premier League match between Everton FC and Wolverhampton Wanderers FC...
Photo by Chris Brunskill/Fantasista/Getty Images
It’s been a season of struggle for Calvert-Lewin, who has managed just two Premier League goals so far this season.
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Everton’s goalscoring issues have been well documented, and that is a disappointing return from the 27-year-old.
One wonders what might have been had Armando Broja been fit since he arrived at Everton on loan from Chelsea.
Broja was lively against Wolves a couple of weeks ago, prompting fans to get excited about him playing more.
Dyche played down the idea of Broja starting against Arsenal. But he did come off the bench and impressed again with his physicality. He put a real shift in despite not having a great deal of the ball, and it was perhaps just a little warning to Calvert-Lewin.
Thankfully for Calvert-Lewin, there won’t be any chance next weekend for Broja to play for Everton, as he cannot face his parent club Chelsea.
With Calvert-Lewin potentially in last-chance saloon, it’s important he makes the most of his opportunity against the Blues.
Everton fans excited for more Broja
Everton fans loved Brojas’ display against Arsenal, and the feeling for many is that he could really help the Toffees to become more productive in the final third.
The Albania international has only just returned to action but he’ll be raring to go at Goodison Park, and he’ll be determined to help the team pull away from the relegation zone.
Everton have produced a number of good defensive displays this season, so the foundations are there to build.
It’s all about increasing the output in the final third and Broja has the potential to make that happen.
It just hasn’t been happening for Calvert-Lewin or Beto, and both of those players may be nervous following Broja’s return to fitness.
Certainly, £100,000-a-week star Calvert-Lewin needs an impactful display against Chelsea, or else he could lose his starting berth against Manchester City on Boxing Day.
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