Koeman Backs Himself To Turn Everton Around

Everton manager Ronald Koeman insists he is still the man to turn around their failing season but is under no illusions about the situation he now finds himself in.

"I still believe I can change the whole situation"

A 5-2 mauling at home to Arsenal has intensified the already significant pressure on the Dutchman, whose side dropped into the bottom three after just one win in their last eight league matches.

"The team is underperforming, it is in a difficult situation mentally and struggling for confidence. That is what we need to change,'' Koeman said.

"I told the players that I believe in the players, I believe in the commitment of the players.

"I still believe I can change the whole situation but everybody knows how it works in football. That is all I answer about this situation.

"If you start to think negative then maybe there is no solution. I am not like that. All the rumours in the newspapers is normal.

"The final result is really poor but all these kind of decisions (about the future) are not in my hands.''

Everton took an early lead against the run of play when Wayne Rooney recreated a version of his first Premier League goal as a precocious 16-year-old against the same opposition 15 years and three days later.

However, it could not last and Nacho Monreal equalised before the break, after which Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette - after Everton midfielder Idrissa Gana Gueye was sent off for a second bookable offence - put the visitors 3-1 up.

A shambolic finish saw Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanchez score either side of an Oumar Niasse consolation in added time as the Gunners registered their first away win of the campaign.

It was put to Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger it was their best performance of the season so far.

"Maybe the most complete defensively and offensively yes but (in other games) we were punished for every mistake,'' he said.

"Sanchez was on fire and has worked very hard after coming back from injury, Mesut as well.

"The two of them were sharp physically. If you have that individual quality, it makes them dangerous against any defender.

"He (Ozil) was superb, agile, quick, intelligent, always at the service of the team. He is an exceptional player.'