Arsenal travel to Goodison Park for the late fixture in the Premier League this evening. The Toffees are struggling whilst sitting in 16th position in the table, a mere two spots above the relegation zone.
They’ve lost four of their last five games - but how did it all go wrong for a team who were once challenging for the Champions League spot?
The Arsenal Way's editor Chris Davison (CD) spoke with social producer Guy Clarke (GC) on Monday morning’s Arsenal Agenda show and talked about the huge responsibility technical directors have at football clubs and what trajectory they take in the league.
CD: “We often forget that we don't hear too much about them and the work that they do. But, with technical directors Marcel Brands at Everton and Edu at Arsenal for example in this situation, there's huge pressure on them all the time because they’re responsible for behind the scenes work at the club.
“Most notably the transfer business. I think when you look at the business that Everton have done In recent times, it hasn't been great.
“I think that highlights the position they find themselves in right now. I remember a couple of seasons ago they were talking about this ambition they have - a vision for the club.
“That it’s something exciting and they were looking at some top names. James Rodriguez for example who came in last season or the season before. There was a lot of excitement around him.
“He got off to a good start. But, then Ancelotti left and he followed. There doesn’t seem to be a plan in place at Goodison park at the moment.
“The transfer business they have done, bar one or two players, It’s been pretty underwhelming for a football club who is building or has plans in place for a new exciting stadium. They’ve talked about ambition for the Champions League.
“To get back into Europe as well. So, it’s been underwhelming. But as you highlighted, it shows the pressure these guys are under. Edu is very much included in that.
“He’s already come under a huge amount of pressure at Arsenal. But, obviously with the new signings over the summer - so far it looks good.”
Follow our The Arsenal Way team members Chris, Guy and Renuka on Twitter to get involved in the discussion and give us your thoughts in the comments section below.
