Koeman should give these 3 Everton players a chance against Arsenal

11th January 2015 - Barclays Premier League - Manchester United v Southampton - Southampton manager Ronald Koeman - Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Everton slumped to a fourth Premier League defeat in seven matches with a 3-2 loss at Watford on Saturday.

Romelu Lukaku had put the visitors ahead after 17 minutes, but a brace for Stefao Okaka and a header from Sebastian Prodl established the Hornets’ dominance on proceedings, with Lukaku’s late header little more than a consolation for Ronald Koeman’s side.

The defeat, their fourth consecutive away league loss, extended Everton’s winless run in the Premier League to five matches, and it now means that they have won just one of their last 10 league games.

However, their form at Goodison Park has been decent, where they have won three and drawn the other four of their seven league matches, and they’ll hope to maintain that unbeaten start when they host Arsenal on Tuesday.

The Gunners temporarily went top of the division on Saturday courtesy of a 3-1 win over Stoke, but were re-overtaken by Antonio Conte’s Chelsea on Sunday after they beat West Brom 1-0.

Nonetheless, Arsene Wenger’s side are in excellent form and haven’t lost in the league since the opening weekend, and they’ll provide a stern test to that unbeaten Everton home record tomorrow night.

With the Toffees struggling for form of late, Koeman may be tempted to make some changes to his team, so here are THREE players who deserve a chance on Tuesday night…

Aaron Lennon

Photo: Steve Parkin

As much as Aaron Lennon was anonymous against Southampton a few weeks back, he showed more attacking intent than Kevin Mirallas against Watford on Saturday.

This is quite something given that the former England winger was on the pitch for just seven minutes, whereas Mirallas was for over 70 minutes.

Nonetheless, it was Lennon’s teasing cross into the box which set up Romelu Lukaku’s header minutes before added time, and he occasionally stretched his legs to good effect down the left.

Everton are seriously struggling, so Koeman should try something else in the attacking area to try and arrest this slump – Lennon could be someone he turns to.

Enner Valencia

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

As with Lennon, Enner Valencia may feel that he deserves a start for the Toffees.

The Ecuadorian international, on loan from West Ham, has yet to make a Premier League start under Koeman, but gave Everton a bit more of a threat when he came off the bench against Watford on Saturday.

That was his seventh substitute appearance of the campaign, and you sense that he’s getting closer to his first league start for the club, especially with Yannick Bolasie out for the remainder of the season.

It could happen on Tuesday.

Ross Barkley

Photo: Simon Stacpoole / Offside.

Everton lacked a consistent spark in the final third against Watford, with Gareth Barry’s lobbed pass and Lennon’s fine cross the only real moments of quality from the visitors.

Thus, surely it’s time to get Ross Barkley back in the starting eleven.

The England international has been criticised by Koeman at times this season, and hasn’t contributed enough given his position on the pitch, and his undoubted ability.

However, giving him a start could be the confidence boost the 23-year-old needs to get back to his best – a best that could cause Arsenal problems at Goodison Park on Tuesday.

Exit mobile version