Jonty Banks

Tue 28 February 2023 15:10, UK

Paul Merson believes Mikel Arteta has pulled off a “masterstroke” in resting Eddie Nketiah before the upcoming match against Sean Dyche’s Everton side on Wednesday (29 February).

The Toffees will look to return to winning ways in the league after their disappointing 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa at Goodison Park, which took Dyche’s record to a pair of wins and two losses since arriving as manager.

However, writing in his Sky Sports column (Tuesday, 28 February), Merson admitted that the Toffees could bear the brunt of Arteta’s decision to rest number the 14 for their most recent match against Leicester City.

He said: “That said, it was a good decision to give Nketiah a rest and I would be shocked if he did not play against Everton on Wednesday.

“So it’s a masterstroke really to get him out of the firing line to recharge.

“Arsenal have got to win on Wednesday against Everton, which is their game in hand and can move them five points clear. You have got to make that game in hand count, that’s the name of the game.”

Tough test

Everton are going to be up against it to get anything out of the match against Arsenal, and they could be on the back end of an early barrage of pressure following recent results.

After managing to secure a 1-0 win over the Gunners in his first game in charge, Dyche’s side has struggled to replicate similar performances to this.

The defeat to Aston Villa at the weekend was a reality check of the challenge that awaits the English manager in the coming months. The fact that the only two goals scored since his arrival are by a right-back and a centre-back speaks volumes of the lack of attacking personnel he possesses.

Considering their lack of scoring options, the likes of Conor Coady and James Tarkowski will have to be at their best to deny Nketiah any goal-scoring opportunities at the Emirates.

Games such as this won’t be where Dyche is graded; however, with just 21 points after 24 games, the Toffees need to start picking up points and fast.