By Adam Clark
Everton's great start to the season could have something to do
with arrival of Andrew Johnson. Since signing the striker from
Crystal Palace in May, Manager David Moyes has been treated to some
first-class performances from the England international,
whose goals have propelled Everton to sixth in the
Premiership.
Saturday's clash with the Toffees could be Arsenal's
toughest Emirates Stadium test to date, so we spoke to Dave
Prentice, Chief Sports Writer at The Liverpool Echo to get the
low-down on the Merseysiders.
THE STORY SO FAR
"We had a sensational start and it was quite unexpected. The
football has been enjoyable all season. We used to be aggressive,
but now we play a different, passing type of football. Andrew
Johnson's signing created a great deal of interest and it's
delightful to have an out-and-out goalscorer. For me, the result
that set the standard for the rest of the season was the win at
Tottenham. Having not won there for 20 years, they gave the best
all-round Everton performance for a long time. In turn that gave
the team a little bit of belief and of course they followed it up
with the derby win. After that the results weren't matching the
performances and we weren't getting the breaks, but we've
won our last two games."
MAN OF THE MOMENT
"Andy Johnson. He's been wonderful. His finishing has been
great, his all-round play has been great but his work-rate and
attitude have been the biggest things. He chases lost causes all
day long and it's an attitude that has spread through the rest
of the team. He's been the catalyst for what has happen this
season."
NEW FACES
"[Defender] Joleon Lescott has been an unsung hero. He's
nearly been as influential as Johnson, but in a different, less
noticeable way. [Goalkeeper] Tim Howard has looked assured and
confident and impressed so far. We've got a small squad though
and injuries hit us hard. We'll be thread bare [at Emirates
Stadium]."
ONE TO WATCH...
"Mikel Arteta. He's an old-fashioned Everton type of
midfielder. I'd compare him to some of the players from the
days in the late Sixties when Everton was nicknamed 'The School
of Science'. Players like Alan Ball, Colin Harvey and Howard
Kendall. When Arteta plays well, Everton do."
CAUSE FOR OPTIMISM
"A European place would be ideal. Realistically, that means a
UEFA Cup slot. The fans aren't getting carried away but it
would be a dream come true to make the Champions League. Obviously,
finishing above Liverpool would be nice, too."
CAUSE FOR CONCERN
"The worst thing would be if Johnson picked up a serious
injury and everything suddenly evaporated. That said, the squads
looking good at the moment, and the spirits great, so fingers
crossed that will continue."
TALKING TACTICS
"We'll almost certainly line up 4-5-1, flood the midfield
and try to restrict Arsenal's possession. That will leave
Johnson to plough a lonely furrow up front, which he's done
well all season."
IMPRESSIONS OF ARSENAL
"Firstly, I think everyone at Everton is looking forward to
playing at the new stadium. As for the team, they're the best
side to watch in the Premiership without any shadow of a doubt.
They play easily the most attractive football, and even when
they've not been winning they've been playing the right
way. I think they are many people's second favourite team
because they are just great to watch."
