Vitalii Mykolenko already knows how to shut down Bukayo Saka ahead of Everton vs Arsenal
Everton host Arsenal in a mouth-watering Premier League showdown on Saturday evening, and Vitalii Mykolenko will need to be at the top of his game.
In their most recent match, Everton were beaten 2-0 by Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, thanks to strikes from Cole Palmer and Malo Gusto.
Worryingly, left-back Mykolenko was exposed by Pedro Neto’s attacking qualities, as the Ukraine international struggled to live with his pace and directness.
Mykolenko’s display arguably warranted him being dropped for Everton’s clash with Arsenal, but as David Moyes only has 19-year-old Adam Aznou to call upon as an alternative in that position, the Scotsman will likely persist with his first-choice full back.
Vitalii Mykolenko vs Bukayo Saka is a key battle
Every game over a hectic Christmas schedule is important, and Saturday’s meeting between the Toffees and the Gunners is no different.
Whilst Arsenal are gunning for the Premier League title, Everton are two points behind fifth-place Crystal Palace, setting up a potentially thrilling encounter at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Some key battles will break out on the pitch, and arguably the most important is Mykolenko’s duel with Bukayo Saka.
Saka is one of the Premier League’s best wingers, and he assisted twice last time out in a 2-1 win over Wolves, but the 24-year-old hasn’t always had it his way against Everton.
| Bukayo Saka’s record vs Everton |
| 11 appearances |
| 1 goal |
| 4 assists |
The England international has found the net just once in 11 matches in this fixture, and that came in a 4-0 hammering of the Toffees in 2023.
Mykolenko came up against Saka on that day and was run ragged, but in his three other meetings with the Arsenal superstar, he’s restricted him to just one assist, which suggests he knows how to keep him quiet.
Ian Maatsen shows Mykolenko how to shut Saka down
If Mykolenko ever needed any advice on how to deal with Arsenal’s No.7, he should call up Aston Villa’s Ian Maatsen.
In Villa’s incredible 2-1 win over the Gunners, Maatsen was unbeatable at left-back and gave Saka a difficult afternoon.
The 23-year-old won six of his 10 ground duels, recovered the ball twice and made three clearances, while restricting Saka to just one successful dribble and zero accurate crosses.
A similar performance will be required from Mykolenko if Everton are to win for the first time in six attempts against Arsenal.
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