O'Brien: We Can Go Toe To Toe With Anyone

Jake O'Brien says there is a belief in Everton's camp they can go "toe to toe with anyone" as the Blues continue to chase a place in European competition for next season.

David Moyes' side fell to a frustrating away defeat to Premier League title-chasers Arsenal on Saturday, with late goals from Viktor Gyokeres and Max Dowman temporarily sending the Gunners 10 points clear at the top of the table.

However, up until Arsenal's 89th-minute opener, the Toffees created the clearest opportunities in the contest and held a stronger overall xG until the deadlock was broken at Emirates Stadium.

Speaking afterwards, O'Brien said: "Obviously, we're disappointed with the way it ended but I think there's a sense now where we can go anywhere and go toe-to-toe with anyone – and I think that shows how far we've come as a team and as a club. 

"We had an our chances throughout the game and on another day the outcome could have been very different.

"Not just tonight but I think we've shown it throughout the season that we've got the ability and belief that we can get results anywhere. Sometimes it comes down to small margins, as it did against Arsenal, but there are plenty of points still to play for and we're confident going forward."

Everton were dealt a double blow ahead of their clash with Arsenal, with centre-back pair Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski both unavailable.

That meant O'Brien returned to his preferred central role alongside Michael Keane.

"We've played together before and it's worked out well," O'Brien said about his partnership. "I think whoever is playing, whoever is in the side, we all know each other and we've played and trained together for a long time now, so it's never an issue for us."