27-year-old seizes Koeman chance: There things learned about Everton in victory v Arsenal
By Dominic Toner
Football Insider analyses three talking points from Everton’s 2-1 victory against Arsenal in the Premier League encounter at Goodison Park.
Valencia deserves run in the side
Enner Valencia was fantastic on his first Premier League start for Everton and deserves to be start against Liverpool next Monday. The 27-year-old was given a chance by manager Ronald Koeman and ran himself into the ground, with youngster Dominic Calver-Lewin replacing him after 79 minutes. Valencia is yet to make a big impact since his season-long loan switch to Goodison Park, but showed phenomenal desire against Arsenal. Most of the Everton attacks were centred around the attacker and he showed great determination. The Toffees have lost wide man Yannick Bolasie due to a serious injury and Valencia did enough to show he can fill his void. Valencia could turn out to be a big player this season if he can find his confidence in front of goal.
Williams will succeed at Everton
Wales international Ashley Williams has had a mixed start since his summer arrival at Goodison Park and gave one of his best performances against Arsenal. The centre-back managed to deal well with in-form attacker Alexis Sanchez and was physically demanding from cross. He could have done better for the opening goal as a free-kick deflect off him into the net. Williams was fantastic since that moment and redeemed himself for the mistake. The defender scored a late winner from a corner as he showed the desire to get his on the cross. Everton fans had high expectations of Williams when he moved to the club and he proved that he is a bargain at just £12million.
Gueye is signing of the season
Everton midfielder Idrissa Gueye delivered yet another all-round performance against Arsenal. The combative midfielder was a nuisance to the Gunners players and made numerous challenges and interceptions. The 27-year-old has been an absolute steal at £7.1million from Aston Villa and has easily been Everton’s Player of the Season so far. The Toffees manager Ronald Koeman can always rely on him to put a shift on and he can also help set-up Everton on the front foot. Gueye has developed into one of the most accomplished midfielders in the Premier League and is a nightmare for oppositions.
In other Everton news, Ray Parlour claims that the club’s summer signing has not stepped up yet.