Pundit critical of Everton defender as 'perfect away plan' spoiled v Arsenal

BBC Match of the Day pundit Ashley Williams has criticised Everton defender Vitalii Mykolenko for “switching off” before Arsenal’s opening goal on Saturday.

David Moyes’ side came bitterly close to earning a fantastic away point at Arsenal on Saturday, before seeing their excellent defensive work undone in the final minutes.

Viktor Gyokeres tapped into an open net from a yard out in the 89th minute, before Max Dowman became the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history with a brilliant solo goal in the 97th minute.

So, it was a 2-0 defeat for Everton against Arsenal, with the Toffees now looking forward to another tough test next Saturday, as they welcome Chelsea to Hill Dickinson Stadium.

What did Ashley Williams say about Vitalii Mykolenko?

Mykolenko is facing an uncertain Everton future, with the Ukrainian international out of contract with the Toffees at the end of this season.

The 26-year-old has been a divisive and frustrating player on Merseyside, with his inconsistent performances seeing him flash his ability and potential, but also likely to bring about the end of his Everton career.

Despite that, he has been a key player in Moyes’ side this season, starting all of his 25 Premier League appearance this term, culminating in 2,240 minutes of league action.

However, speaking via BBC Match of the Day, former Everton defender Williams picked Mykolenko out as being at fault for Arsenal’s opening goal of the game on Saturday.

“They (Everton) nearly executed the perfect away plan again under David Moyes. They did ever so well,” Williams said.

“Right up to the 88th minute, when it was probably the only time they switched off.

“Arsenal are just on the attack, Mykolenko gets a good tackle but then he thinks his job is done. I don’t know if he’s expecting the long throw-in?

“But he switched off, they take a quick throw-in, great ball in from Dowman, Hincapie at the back stick and then like all good strikers he’s (Gyokeres) in the right place.”

Mykolenko was Everton’s weak spot in defence vs Arsenal

As Williams says, Everton were largely excellent at the back against Arsenal, and were on course for a textbook away performance at the Emirates.

Because of that, Moyes will surely be livid at the goals his side have given away at the end, as will Mykolenko, who struggled for large periods of the game in truth.

So, with a big contract call on Everton’s decision-makers’ hands coming up on Mykolenko, the left-back’s showing on Saturday won’t have helped his case for being handed a new one.

If Everton want to kick on towards the European places next season and moving forward, then Moyes will probably need to find an upgrade on Mykolenko at that position, even if it’s just from a consistency standpoint.

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