Everton were served the bitter taste of defeat against Arsenal on Saturday, but they put on a display that showcased their European potential.
There is a lot being said about Everton’s European dreams ahead of the Premier League run-in, and they answered a lot of questions despite their north London defeat.
David Moyes has been able to fine tune his side into being one of the best on the road in the Premier League.
Who was your Man of the Match in what was a positive performance? 👏
The players deserved so much more… 😡
Michael Keane in action for Everton during a Premier League clash against Arsenal
Photo by Alex Burstow/Arsenal FC via Getty Images
Everton’s away form is largely to thank for their European hopes and Saturday’s showing should only strengthen their belief of European qualification.
Arsenal v Everton - Premier League
Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images
Everton went toe-to-toe with Premier League leaders
Do not let those two late goals take away from what was arguably Everton’s best performance of the season.
Beating Manchester United at Old Trafford with 10 men was special, but Saturday’s trip to the capital required Everton to match the likely Premier League champions.
Everton were without James Tarkowski through injury, with a makeshift backline put together by the 62-year-old manager.
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How have we come away from that with nothing? 😫
David Moyes, head coach of Everton, issues instructions during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton.
Credit: Getty Images/James Gill – Danehouse
This did not matter, though. The Blues were rock solid for 89 minutes, until a poor decision from Jordan Pickford cost them a point.
“Totally gutted. We did such a good job for a long period of the game. No disappointment in terms of our performance, the players gave everything,” Moyes said after the game.
The Blues did not hang on at the Emirates Stadium; Everton provided the Gunners with plenty of problems throughout the game.
Dwight McNeil was denied a goal through a remarkable goal-line block and he struck the post from distance.
Beto also forced David Raya into an impressive save in the second-half. For a man, Everton more than matched Mikel Arteta’s side.
Everton’s general play was industrious, having made 12 more (16) interceptions than the hosts and recovered the ball 39 times.
A lot of positives should be taken from this game.
Everton showed they are ready to compete for European qualification
Moyes has pushed Everton to qualify for Europe this season and the Blues remain well within the race, with eight games remaining.
Next up for Everton is Chelsea at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Toffees ended their drought on home soil against Burnley, but they need a big scalp at their new home.
It is on the Liverpool docks where European football may well be won by Everton, with their home form leaving a lot to be desired.
However, Moyes and his men should not dwell on the result against Arsenal, and, instead, focus on what was a really strong performance.
At the final whistle, Everton sit in eighth spot in the Premier League table on 43 points. There is still a long way to go.
Everton’s issues were highlighted but summer offers big opportunity
Angus Kinnear is already working on Everton’s transfer plans, with two scenarios being considered with and without European qualification.
Arsenal won the game through goals from two of their substitutes. This is something that Everton were unable to match.
Thierno Barry’s display from the bench was miles off what was required and the other changes were made too late on to judge.
Everton lacked a game-changer from their bench. A lack of real star quality off the bench could be Everton’s downfall in the remaining games of the season.
But the summer is going to offer them with an opportunity to fix this. The starting XI showed a lot to be positive about and the club’s progression looks well ahead of schedule under The Friedkin Group.
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