3 changes to make for midweek Everton fixture

Everyone knew there would be bumps in the road this season. Arsenal are still changing, evolving and steadily improving. They are not the finished article yet. Because of that, momentum must be restored as soon as possible after poor results, sometimes through changes. Confidence is key for these young players.

The fixtures against Everton, Brentford and Manchester City had the potential to throw off Arsenal’s entire season. Yet against Aston Villa and Leicester City, the players fought hard to regain momentum at a crucial point in the season. This winning run must continue on Wednesday against Everton.

Sean Dyche will set his men up the same way he did at home, sitting deep and packing the middle of the park while looking to counter-attack directly or play through the midfield. Arsenal will have to break down a stubborn and well-organised defence.

3 changes to make for midweek Everton fixture

Here are three changes that Mikel Arteta should make before the midweek fixture against Everton to help secure a win.

1. Bring Tierney back in

Oleksandr Zinchenko has completely changed the way Arsenal play. As fans have become accustomed to seeing, he drifts into central areas, providing technical security and control as the team maintains pressure. However, against Everton, these central areas will undoubtedly be overloaded. Even Zinchenko may struggle to affect the game despite his close control and passing ability. Kieran Tierney may offer more in pulling the Everton defence out of shape.

The Scottish international is a more traditional full-back, staying wide in attack and compact in defence. He provides an excellent foil to Gabriel Martinelli cutting inside since he provides the width. His overlapping runs are a method to break down low blocks that Arteta has not quite tried out. Yet his inclusion could be one of multiple changes on Wednesday.

Tierney’s inclusion may also spark life into Martinelli by allowing him to play closer to goal. Arteta prefers to play with five attackers. Instead of the attacker on the far left being Martinelli, it would be Tierney, with the Brazilian occupying a more interior channel. With the winger scoring against Leicester with a delicate finish, using Tierney to let him attack the box may be one of the most important changes the manager can make.

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