Sky Sports pundit Paul Merson believes that Everton will succumb to a heavy defeat at the hands of Arsenal when they travel to the Emirates this Sunday.
Merson has predicted that the game will end 3-0 in favour of the Gunners, especially now that the Toffees are low in confidence following their recent 3-1 loss to West Ham United.
He also believes that Marco Silva’s team have got themselves into a bit of a rut following their recent defeat, and he reckons that Arsenal will be too much for them in the form that they are currently in.
“It was a poor result for Everton on Sunday, they are on a bit of a run now – they’ve hit a brick wall. I know they hadn’t been beaten until last week but they hadn’t won a lot of games,” he told Sky Sports.
“I think Arsenal will have too much movement for them, you only have to look at how West Ham picked them off. I expect Arsenal to do the same. Everton have drawn too many games. When you draw a few games you cannot afford to lose the next, that’s the problem.”
OPINION
Considering the form that Everton are currently in, it comes as no surprise that Merson has predicted such a heavy loss for them on Sunday. The way they were picked apart by West Ham – a team that had endured four losses prior to victory over the Toffees – was rather concerning, and it does not bode well for the rest of the season. If they cannot handle the Hammers and their attacking talent, then there is no chance that they will be able to cope with Arsenal’s attack at the moment. Everton’s defence is diabolical and they will need to get their heads down and seriously improve if they do not want to embarrass themselves at the Emirates. At this rate, they are capable of shipping more than three goals, so they will have to be extra vigilant and play defensively when they travel down south this weekend. Nevertheless, it is hard not to agree with Merson in his prediction here – it would certainly be difficult to see Everton find a way past Arsenal at the moment.