time to see what we’re made of

By: 21 | October 17th, 2008

With The Toffees heading down to Arsenal it is very obvious there are not only in need of points but more importantly a “statement” to establish what they “are made of.” Loyal Everton supporters have been stretched thin this year. The promise of last year and thoughts of top six finish seems like a dream long ago now and the reality is they have to turn things around fast or we’ll be discussing the “r word” later this year.

How the present discussion of new ownership weighs on the club isn’t so clear-cut on the surface but it certainly can’t be a solidifying force. If there is one thing we can guarantee in the Premier League it is that prior to ownership changes performance drifts, victories become scarce and draws become losses. Does the long-term contract David Moyes signed this past week provide the players more stability or does that mean anything when investment bankers openly discuss the sale of the club?

Well enough for the general debate on the state of the clubs affairs as they have to get to playing matches and earning points. As they go face to face against Arsenal they are equally playing a club having some unexpected problems. Of course their issues are a morsel different as they are still sitting fourth in the table and have a stable of upper echelon players. As it relates to to tomorrows match that could actually work to Everton’s favour as many of Gunners were involved in the internationals and issues of fatigue and injuries will weigh heavily upon the match. Arsène Wenger will be without a who’s who of players due to injuries including Bacary Sagna, Nicklas Bendtner and William Gallas with Cesc Fabregas, Johan Djourou and Robin van Persie all questionable. Throw in the fact they face Fenerbahçe in the Champions League on Tuesday, how they approach the lineup is anyones guess. From Everton’s vantage, lineup deletions aren’t so cheery as Victor Anichebe, Phil Neville and Segundo Castillo are out with injuries whilst Joseph Yobo and Phil Jagielka are listed as questionable due to colds (hey, its flu and cold season) and of course Timmy Cahill is serving suspension. And though Arsenal rarely gives up a point at home (very rare) this is likely the Toffees best opportunity to grab points at Emirates Stadium. To be successful Louis Saha, Mikel Arteta, Leon Osman and Marouane Fellaini need to be at their best and control play.

Enjoy the match ~