Ronald Koeman impressed with Everton comeback against Arsenal
Everton manager Ronald Koeman hopes his players have now learned that aggression and effort are the minimum he and the fans demand after they turned around the match to beat Arsenal 2-1.
Everton manager Ronald Koeman hopes his players have now learned that aggression and effort are the minimum he and the fans demand after they turned around the match to beat Arsenal 2-1.
Trailing to Alexis Sanchez's deflected goal after just 20 minutes the home side came to life midway through the half and having equalised just before the break through Seamus Coleman they maintained their tempo after the break and were rewarded with a winner from Ashley Williams' header four minutes from time.
It was only their second win in 11 Premier League matches but Koeman believes that display has now set the standard.
"The key was how we played after 20 minutes,'' said the Dutchman.
"I think that was the team we like to see, what the fans like: face-to-face, aggression, pressing and playing football and going for it."
"You don't win any game because the team is nervous. I can understand a lack of confidence but we play every ball back, we make it difficult and then it is no chance against Arsenal.
"We came back with great character. If you show that aggression and commitment it is difficult to beat Everton at Goodison Park."
"I hope the players will learn how we started and what we did after 20 minutes. That is what we need to show."
"It is always possible to lose games against teams like Arsenal but not in the way we started."
"I hope we realise how strong we can be if we play like this."
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger was unhappy with the way his side failed to take advantage of their early goal but was even less impressed with referee Mark Clattenburg for awarding the corner which led to Williams' winner.
"Of course, it was no corner. You can see it was no corner" he said after the team's 14-match unbeaten league record was ended."
"I am really disappointed in Mr Clattenburg. He is in a really good position to see it and it is not the first time we are really unlucky with his decisions."
"The referee made his decision but that does not explain why we did not head the ball."
"We have to look at ourselves. We started well and after that lost a bit of urgency."
"We were a bit too comfortable and Everton made it very physical."
"I believe they disturbed our game and we created less. In the end unfortunately we didn't take our chance or two.
"They played a cup game tonight. That is a big difference from what I saw recently from them."
"I don't think they can repeat that in every game."