Broja’s Takeaways From Arsenal Display & Everton Action So Far

Armando Broja believes Everton’s encouraging result on Saturday can boost confidence ahead of a “tough run” of festive fixtures, as the forward vowed to do all he can to help Sean Dyche's side.

The Blues held title-chasing Arsenal to a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium, managing to nullify Mikel Arteta’s side, who have not lost on home soil in all competitions this season.

Arriving onto the field to replace Dominic Calvert-Lewin after 66 minutes, Broja helped the Toffees to relieve the heavy pressure on their backline, providing an outlet up front.

He won three of his five aerial duels, as well as completing three of four dribbles, and speaking after the game, the 23-year-old assessed an impressive defensive showing from the Toffees.

“It's not easy to come here but the boys fought really, really well,” he said. “It was a deserved point. We probably could have got even more from the game in the final 10 minutes.

“When they were pushing forward, there were opportunities there. But, overall, it was a good display from us; a good defensive display and I’m happy to have played my part.

“When the manager told me to come on, I knew it was going to be a bit of a tough time. They were putting a lot of pressure on us, so we needed someone to come in and hold the ball up and try to win fouls.

“I tried to do my part and play my role, and I thought I did that alright, so I was happy to get a few fouls and get the team up the pitch a little bit. But like I said, when the manager calls on me, I just try to help out as much as I can.”

A busy festive schedule continues for Everton, who welcome Broja’s parent club Chelsea on Sunday meaning the Albania international is unavailable (2pm), before travelling to take on Manchester City on Boxing Day, and then facing Nottingham Forest at Goodison to see out 2024.

Outlining the importance of togetherness within the group, Broja feels Saturday’s point can build belief within the squad.

“I've been at Chelsea my whole life, but I've gone to Everton which is a massive club,” he remarked. “The expectations are high, but I like having that pressure as well because it makes me play better as well. I was happy to come back from my injury and had my debut last week.

“Unfortunately, we haven't played the Liverpool game, but coming here today, we know we've got a tough run of fixtures coming up.

“This was a great point for us. Four points in the last two games. It's really important. It's only going to get harder from now, but we're just going to stick together and hopefully get more results.”

Having made two substitute appearances from the bench, Broja – building his fitness after a long-term foot injury he sustained in the summer before joining on a season-long loan from Chelsea – was asked if he now feels ready to start games.

He responded: “That's obviously down to the manager. I can only train well and do the things they want from me.

“So, like I said, come on the pitch, fight, help out the team, try to draw fouls, try to get my team up the pitch, try to do the basics of football.

“And obviously it's down to the manager and what team he decides to have. I can only keep applying pressure and keep doing my part.”