Everton picked up a crucial 2-1 victory over title contenders Arsenal at Goodison Park on Tuesday to go seventh in the Premier League table.

The Toffees were on a poor run of just one win in ten games prior to the game, and it looked set to continue when Alexis Sanchez fired a free-kick home after just 20 minutes.

However, Ronald Koeman’s side grew into the contest and got the equaliser just before half time when Seamus Coleman’s glancing header beat the outstretched arm of goalkeeper Petr Cech.

And the home side completed the turnaround four minutes from time when Ross Barkley’s out-swinging corner was met by a firm header from defender Ashley Williams, whose effort sailed past the helpless Cech.

It was an important three points for the hosts, who remain unbeaten at Goodison Park this season, in what was their first league success since beating West Ham 2-0 on October 30.

They move up to seventh as a result, just a point behind Manchester United, and Koeman will hope that his side can build upon a fantastic victory and performance when they host Merseyside rivals Liverpool on Monday.

Nonetheless, Everton’s poor recent run has increased speculation about who Koeman may look to bring in during the January transfer window and, with the African Cup of Nations starting next month, the Dutchman may be interested in some of those players in the tournament.

Thus, here are TWO AFCON stars Everton should keep an eye on…

Lamine Kone

He snubbed Everton in the summer to remain at Sunderland, yet defender Lamine Kone could still end up at Goodison Park come the New Year.

The 27-year-old was an integral part of the Black Cats team that stayed in the Premier League under Sam Allardyce last season, and the Ivorian international has appeared in 13 of their 15 league matches this time around as well.

However, Everton have been struggling defensively this season and may need to bolster the central defensive department to challenge for the European places, and Kone is a man they remain interested in.

Yet, they could face intense competition from Slaven Bilic’s West Ham for the defender’s signature, so Koeman needs to act quickly to bring his man to Merseyside.

Rachid Ghezzal

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktxZNft9cSw&t=1s

Everton attempted to get a deal done for Lyon winger Rachid Ghezzal in the summer, but the Algerian international decided against a move to Merseyside.

However, the 24-year-old has yet to agree a new deal with the French side and, given that his current one ends in June, a move in January is likely.

Ghezzal has netted once and laid on two assists in 17 appearances for the club this season, but it was last season where he caught the eye, netting ten times in 38 games for the side.

However, his future in France looks far from certain, and Koeman’s men have already been linked with another move for the Algerian star in January should no contract be agreed between now and then.

With Liverpool and Tottenham also reported to be interested, the Toffees will have to act fast to secure the 24-year-old’s signature.