Everton 0-0 Arsenal: Instant Reaction | Snore

Mikel Arteta and Carlo Ancelotti were both in attendance at a sunny Goodison Park today, and nothing proved the need for their services more than the performances of Arsenal and Everton. Choppy, lethargic, rough, tumble, and horrific to watch, two of the most underachieving clubs in the league put on a show to forget.

Alex Iwobi strained his hamstring within ten minutes, and it was an unfortunate harbinger for things to come. Nobody could get anything going, and nobody could get fully loose. It was a “battle” between two teams that have had no idea where they’re going for some time now, and it showed. Proceedings were further affected by the incompetence of Kevin Friend, and that’s all I have to say about that.

The truth is that there’s nothing to take away from this match. Duncan Ferguson’s time is done, and while he oversaw some truly memorable moments, you can tell it’s time for the watchful eye of someone far more qualified.

Gylfi Sigurdsson, Lucas Digne, Fabian Delph, and Djibril Sidibe were welcome additions back into the side, if not for quality, just sheer quantity. Carlo Ancelotti will have a fair number of healthy players to work with, though Andre Gomes, Jean-Philippe Gbamin, Theo Walcott, Morgan Schneiderlin, and now Alex Iwobi are all on the shelf.

Whatever big has been going around at Finch Farm looked to have taken more scalps, with Richarlison seen vomiting at halftime and a general air of sluggishness about the team today.

Don Carlo begins tomorrow. Everton need him.