It is certainly a tricky thing for Arsene Wenger to think about as he prepares the Arsenal squad for the trip to face Everton in the Premier League tomorrow. Injury problems and the possible mental readiness of certain players are just two of things the boss has to consider, but for me the biggest thing he has to get right is how to approach Everton.
There is that old adage of a wounded animal being more dangerous and there is little doubt that the toffees and their manager Ronald Koeman have been in the wars recently. However, there is another old adage about kicking a man when he’s down and I think the Gunners need to show our ruthless streak at Goodison Park.
The Everton fans are already close to open rebellion and so the last thing we want is to give them anything top shout about. It may still happen if Wenger did what I would do and go on the attack, of course. A counter attack leading to a goal would be just what they need, but the way they are playing it is not as likely as usual.
Arsenal going at them from the start and creating chances, even if we did not take them, would in my opinion frighten the life out of Everton and silence the fans as well. Arsenal need to win by five to go equal fourth with Chelsea and that is what I would be aiming for.
We may even get it against a team as fragile as Everton but it is that approach that is the key to Arsenal winning this game instead of giving a wounded animal any chance of escape. Do you agree Gooners?
Bob.