So, the managers have spoken ahead of the all-important Everton v Arsenal showdown on Sunday and both Unai Emery and Everton boss Marco Silva have exuded confidence.
Emery has reiterated that Arsenal will continue the way they have been approaching games, he is confident that if we are efficient and competitive on the pitch then he thinks we will collect all three points.
Speaking about both the run in and how critical Sunday’s game is, Emery said:”I am very realistic. We are in a good moment. It depends on Sunday as well, these three points, but now each match is very important for that. If we win, we are third. If we don’t win, we can’t hold this position. But football is each moment to enjoy, to prepare, to work, to play”
“It depends if we are efficient on the pitch. If we are – for 90 minutes – competitive, then I think we can achieve these three points. But it’s a long way to go and we need to be positive, but also realistic and the reality is that Sunday is a very big challenge and a very big opportunity now”
“We are going to continue in our way and Sunday is the first. I think the players are very, very focused for this match and for our moment”
The Everton manager also had an air of confidence about him, he pointed to the mentality shown in the wins over West Ham and Chelsea and with the fans behind them he believes they can get a good result against us.
“On Sunday, we are playing another top team. I know how the atmosphere will be in our stadium again and how the fans can be a key for us” Silva said: “Together, our fans and players, can help us to get a good result.
“We will play with the same mentality we had in second half against Chelsea and in the last match against West Ham.
“We have to play with ambition and desire and believe in ourselves.
“We respect them, they have high-quality players, but the game will be tough for them. I don’t have doubts about that.”
Well, that sets that up nicely then, based on those comments you have to think they both teams will enter the field of play in high spirits, highly motivated and confident of collecting all three points.
If we did not know before, we know now, the Everton game is going to be competitive and tough.