There’s quite a lot going on here. Both teams have new managers and both have improved since appointing them. But can we really be arsed yet another discussion about whether the name of a manager who’s done nothing merits the suffix “ball”, or with examining Carlo’s Ancelotti’s stellar career of success with other people’s teams, when we could just talk about Bukayo Sako instead? Of course we can’t, so here we go.
In the 37 years I’ve been hopelessly obsessed with this thing of ours, never has there been such a hilarious, disgusting raft of brilliant young English talent. Why, it’s almost as though these things are cyclical; that the influx of foreign players has raised domestic standards; and that those who are good enough will always find a way!
Saka, then. He first attracted attention in the dog-days of early season, when Arsenal were only worth watching if they were playing in the Europa League, because their younger players had yet to be enervated by Unai Emery’s masterplan. He scored a lovely goal away to Eintracht Frankfurt, but yet more impressive were his two assists and the general intelligence of his play. Still, it was fairly surprising that, when Arsenal needed a left-back, it was to him they turned, and the way he has embraced the challenge is nothing short of shocking. Not because Saka’s talent is in dispute, but because 18-year-olds tend not to establish themselves in any top-flight team, never mind in the wrong position; attackers playing in defence even less so.
It’s fair to say that, as the game and the world have changed, what defenders do has changed too. Kids tend to play small-sided games with the focus on skill rather than physicality and the internet has made the game accessible in all its forms, while at the elite level, attack has triumphed over defence. Saka, though, mixes this modern approach with the timeless elements that will always distinguish reliable players from useful players: attitude, decision-making and nous. He is entirely unfazed by the frankly ludicrous situation in which he finds himself, his ability to select the correct cross for each situation is far more impressive than his ability to execute it, and his solidity at the back is more noteworthy than his enterprise going forward. He is the very model of a modern English ftbllr.
Anyway, this should be a really good game. Arsenal are unbeaten in 2020 and, following a succession of draws, have won three on the spin. Everton, meanwhile, haven’t lost since their FA Cup humiliation at Anfield, have won their last two and are – dare I say it – starting to look like a team.
Kick-off: 4.30pm GMT