A stronger squad was demanded from Unai Emery for most of the transfer window. At the eleventh hour, he got two offensive reinforcements who brought some belief in flashes against Brentford, and the exit from the Carabao Cup has not stopped the boss from backing his "new structure."
‘I think we’re getting better’
Emery started three of the summer signings behind Donyell Malen in the offence. Harvey Elliott was one part of that trio, and he made his mark with the very first goal of the campaign for the club.
“Harvey Elliott* showed his qualities to us and he scored one goal.”*
Evann Guessand, a flexible forward, flew down the right wing in the second half to set up a chance for Jadon Sancho, whose effort crashed off the post. The manager was happy with their impact.
*“The press we did with John McGinn was really fantastic, and then in 90 minutes we created three or four clear chances and even hit the post with Jadon Sancho. I think we’re getting better.”*
He hopes the positives of the night can translate into the contest against Sunderland on the weekend. It will be a tough test against an outfit that drew with Crystal Palace last weekend and won two of their first three league fixtures.
“There’s still work to do and we’re going to practice, preparing the game on Sunday.”
Second choice shot stopper, Marco Bizot, started as the goalkeeper for this tie, and Victor Lindelof has already earned minutes for the side, filling in as a midfielder in the second half against Everton. Emery was eager to strengthen the squad before deadline day and looks to make the most of his tools.
“We have to work hard like we were doing, with the new structure and players who joined us two weeks ago. We have to improve and keep the same progression we were doing and showing today.”