Sean Dyche's Everton took three points off of Premier League leaders Arsenal today at Goodison Park. Dyche's first game in charge of the teetering Toffees couldn't have gone any better, and front and centre again for Everton was 34-year-old captain Seamus Coleman.
The Killybegs man flashed all of his warrior qualities in leading an Everton defense that stifled one of the most potent attacks in the Premier League. Coleman today was tasked with neutralising Gabriel Martinelli, and that he did on a banner day for the Everton back four. Centre back James Tarkowsi provided Everton's only goal of the game, while Arsenal finished scoreless.
Writing in his Everton player ratings, Liverpool Echo Chris Beesley gave Coleman an 8.
Has got his work cut out against Gabriel Martinelli who cut loose on few occasions but the Everton captain led by example, shackling him in determined fashion while setting up Calvert-Lewin with a slick cross in stoppage time.
Everton fans were effusive in their praise of Coleman afterwards.
Seamus Coleman can barely walk. He’s an absolute warrior.
— Andy McNulty (@AndyMc_25) February 4, 2023
Martinelli has been one of Arsenal's players of the season but hauled off after 60mins after being completely tamed by Seamus Coleman today. Another masterclass in the art of defending from our Everton captain. Superb! #EFC #NSNO
— pmaccap (@paulmcparlan) February 4, 2023
Seamus Coleman locks up every left-winger Arsenal ever throw at him. Dyche was free to block the central areas knowing that Martinelli, Trossard or even Xhaka down that side weren't getting change
— Mark White (@markwhlte) February 4, 2023
Seamus Coleman, man. That’s a statement performance from the captain. Onana (👑), Doucoure and Gueye playing out of their skin. Maupay with a good cameo as well. Feel like I’ve aged 10 years after the final 20 minutes 😂
— Dan (@DanHealiss) February 4, 2023
Every player was magnificent. From the goalkeeper, to the two centre halves and Mykolenko - who was particularly good today. The midfield grafted like never before and Dom did well, too.
But today, for me, was all about Seamus Coleman. He is a credit to Everton football club 💙— Thomarse (@efcthomarse) February 4, 2023
Martinelli being shown levels by the corpse of Seamus Coleman. #EVEARS
— Kevin (@KevCurlss) February 4, 2023
Seamus Coleman is running it BACK. pic.twitter.com/uLFkFbACXU
— Lloyd Canfield (@LloydCanfield) February 4, 2023
Coleman spoke to Viasat after the game and talked about Dyche had brought energy and enthusiasm to Everton training this week.
Everton-kaptein Séamus Coleman etter seieren mot Arsenal.#ViaplayPL @JanAageFjortoft pic.twitter.com/Vv7KT7ldxB
— Viaplay Fotball (@ViaplayFotball) February 4, 2023
Seamus Coleman on Lampard's sacking
Of course, Coleman played a massive role in helping Everton avoid relegation last season and he'll likely have a very busy few months should Everton avoid the drop again. Coleman fronted up before the media this week and said the Everton players had to take responsibility for Lampard's sacking.
There is no getting away from it, it’s been difficult, it’s been tough. As a whole, we all have to take responsibility. We have lost another manager and for me, personally, I have seen I don’t know how many managers now!
"You are not innocent from it all and you have played a part in another manager getting sacked. Us as players have been a massive part of that as well. It is not just a case of you see one manager off and another comes in, it hits you hard. When a manager goes, it is a reflection of what we have done on the pitch and what I have done as a captain as well.
"We wish Frank all the very best. He gave his all to the football club and did a great job keeping us up last year. Now we have got a new manager in, and we all need to do our best. This football club for the next 18 games is fighting for everything and we need to keep fighting. We have to find a way of getting results."
They found a way today.
