THERE were encouraging signs against Aston Villa of Everton rediscovering the tempo they need to play at to be successful.

However they will have to avoid the defensive lapses that cost them a victory when they visit the Emirates Stadium tomorrow. They cannot afford to give Arsenal any time or space and will need to press, like they did against Villa in patches, for the whole 90 minutes. They can’t afford to switch off – or they will be punished.

Defence

Manuel Almunia looks more assured between the posts after becoming established as the regular No 1.

A good shot-stopper, but he still looks indecisive on crosses, something Everton may look to exploit.

Kolo Toure looks good at centre-half or right -back, as his strength and pace make him a difficult defender to get past. Strong leadership qualities make him a likely captain of the future.

French international William Gallas has played successfully at the highest level and has the pace to cope with the best in the Premier League. But he has let himself down recently with some of his antics.

Alexandre Song made his debut in a 2-0 win over Everton as a 17-year-old in 2005. A midfielder, who has been playing at centre-half, he is a good header of the ball.

Gael Clichy is the most consistent left-back in the Premier League. He uses his pace to get forward and support others, but is equally able to get back and defend. Like a lot of Arsenal players, he is comfortable on the ball and always makes himself available to receive the ball.

Midfield

Emmanuel Eboue seems to be the odd one out in a midfield unit that knits together so well.

The Ivory Coast international started out as a right back who liked to get forward and enjoyed an excellent first season. But this season he has been switched to right midfield and he does not seem to be up to the standard of the other Arsenal midfielders.

Eboue looks uncomfortable in the position and gives the ball away on too many occasions, meaning moves break down.

In contrast, Cesc Fabregas is one of the best midfielders in world football. A tremendous touch and vision, he has time on the ball to pick his passes and rarely gives the ball away, while also weighing in with 13 goals. A real danger when threading the ball through to the Arsenal front line in the final third.

Attack

Emmanuel Adebayor is having the best season of his career.

The tall striker is obviously good in the air, but is also quick and can score all sorts of different goals. But it is also ability to hold play up and involve his team-mates that is so productive for Arsenal. Has 30 goals for the season.

Nicklas Bendtner helped Birmingham to promotion during a season-long loan spell with 13 goals while picking up valuable experience along the way. Still only 20, with strength on the ball. Scored eight times.

Dangerman

EMMANUEL ADEBAYOR – on a high after coming off the bench to score a second-half hat-trick against Derby.

Overall verdict

Arsenal enjoyed shooting practice at Derby. They scored six goals, but it could have been many more.

In the last home game of the season they will want to finish in style, but Everton’s improved showing against Villa will have lifted hopes of getting a similar result to last year.

Ronny Goodlass was talking to RICHARD WILLIAMSON