Sorensen's Positive Message Ahead of Arsenal Clash

Brian Sorensen insists his side have what it takes to go toe-to-toe with title-chasing Arsenal on Friday night (7pm GMT), with the Everton boss calling on his side to continue their momentum after a string of promising performances.

The Toffees return to action looking to build on a fine display that saw them defeat Aston Villa 2-0 at Villa Park last time out, as strikes from Maren Mjelde and Honoka Hayashi helped the Blues continue their strong run of form.

Speaking in his pre-match press conference on Thursday morning, Sorensen outlined what will be needed on home soil, while also providing an injury update on his squad.

Sorensen said: "Clare Wheeler is back in the squad, that is good. Unfortunately, Louna Ribadeira is going to be out for a while. She has a cyst in her foot. I do not know the timescale on it but she is not going to be available. Other than that, everyone is healthy.

"Clare [Wheeler] is completely available. She played in the behind closed door friendly against Celtic on the weekend."

Regardless of team selection, the head coach insisted his side must be at their best against the Gunners, who sit third in the table and three points off second place.

"They [Arsenal] have some weaknesses that we are going to try to exploit," he said. "But, it will be a tough challenge. They have one of the best squads available.

"We have a belief that when we go in, we can do something. I am aware that Arsenal have a very good squad with very good players. It is a very, very good team. The difference between them and Chelsea is that on their [Chelsea’s] bad games, they find a way to win.

"In terms of quality, they are one of, if not the best, teams in the league. We take confidence from some of our last performances against them.”

Everton are unbeaten in their past four games at Walton Hall Park. Victory against Villa last time out and two positive performances against league-leaders Chelsea has seen the Blues climb the table and gain confidence ahead of the under-the-lights clash.

Sorensen added: "Our performances since Christmas – when we bought players in to have a competitive squad – have been good. I am looking forward and looking up now. I would have loved to have had this squad since day one, it may have been different," said Sorensen.

"Against the top teams, we need to control the game in larger periods. I am happy with the progress and where we are going."

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