Kevin Whitcher
The usual five talking points ahead of today’s Premier League game away at Everton.
Freddie’s Running The Show
Mikel Arteta has said that interim manager Freddie Ljungberg is picking the team for the game at Everton, and the assumption will be that the new permanent head coach is watching from the directors’ box. Given Ljungberg apparently informed his bosses at the club that a decision had to be made because the players were not responding to him and slackening off, it will be interesting to see if there is more effort expended on the pitch. Certainly, given Arsenal’s run of form in recent weeks, anyone considering a bet on this match would need to be cautious backing an away win, although you can explore all the options available at 888sport whatever your feeling about the results at Goodison Park today.
Starting eleven
Ok, so I am typing this an hour before kick off due to penning a 2,300 piece on Arteta earlier this morning. And the team news has just been released. The TV pundits are saying that Arteta has had an influence over the selection. I would argue different. Pepe and Ozil have been dropped from the Man City game, and obviously Kolasinac is crocked, so Saka covers for him at left back. I would say though that this is Freddie’s selection based upon what he saw last Sunday – and he would have been unhappy with the performances of Pepe and Ozil, specifically when City had the ball. I’ve just heard Freddie say Mesut Ozil has a foot problem. Hmmmmmm…. ever the diplomat, eh?
Full back is a problem position
Ainsley Maitland-Niles has played right back enough times, but he isn’t a natural, certainly defensively. Left back is more worrying though, with the club’s two normal options injured. Bukayo Saka is a left-sided attacking players but it must be hoped he gets support from his colleagues, and this is certainly one of the reasons Gabriel Martinelli is starting – as the Brazilian youngster has shown a willingness to put a shift in. Saka will need his help today, no question about that.
New Manager Bounce
Duncan Ferguson has had a decent enough start while keeping the dugout seat warm for Carlo Ancelotti, certainly getting a better response from his players than Ljungberg at Arsenal. However, we have an interesting scenario today where it is likely that both of the club’s new managers will be watching from the stands. So players on both sides have good reason to impress, although it’s obvious the home side’s men will be more afraid of the immediate aftermath if they don’t perform. I mean, he’s not as young as he was, but would you argue with Big Dunc?
Old Friends?
Ferguson’s final 18 months at Everton coincided with Arteta’s first season and a half. To be a fly on the wall when these two had a conversation, although in fairness, they did have something in common given both had played at Glasgow Rangers.
Conclusion
Given both the interim coaches know this is their final match, so it’s pretty much a free hit for both of them. One imagines that Ferguson will definitely remain involved at Everton and Freddie’s role at Arsenal may be determined by who else Arteta wants in his coaching staff combined with budgetary considerations. However, Freddie’s made a parting statement in response to the defeat last weekend with his team selection and it must be hoped they respond. It’s the hunger of youth that will determine whether Arsenal get anything out of this, but there is certainly raw talent on that pitch. It will need honing under Arteta, but let’s just hope they can produce some goals today, because it’s a certainty that a clean sheet is out of the window. But guys, don’t expect miracles.
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