THE two newly appointed managers of Everton and Arsenal, Carlo Ancelotti and Mikel Arteta, were left in no doubt as to the size of the tasks facing them following Saturday’s goalless draw.

The incoming managers sat in the stands observing their respective teams, but neither will be encouraged by what they saw.

Both sides struggled with the basics and glimpses of quality were all too rare.

Duncan Ferguson has done Everton proud during his four-game stint as caretaker manager, though. 

He finished unbeaten in the Premier League, defeating Chelsea and taking a point from both Manchester United and Arsenal.

These three sides were considered among the best in the country prior to the start of this season, but that Arsenal sit mid-table at the half-way mark explains the club’s desire to freshen things up.

“I put a very young side out and they fought so hard,” said Arsenal’s caretaker boss Freddie Ljungberg.

“I wanted them to win but at the end of the day it’s a difficult place to come. They beat Chelsea here and did well against Manchester United. Well done to the boys, it’s a point.”

Both sets of fans made their feelings known during the game. Arsenal fans sang: “Arsenal Fan TV, get our of our club,” turning their anger towards the club’s prominent fan media outlet who many perceive as overly negative. 

Everton supporters, meanwhile, grew increasingly impatient with the number of poor touches and sloppy passes made by their team. Their annoyances were with the players rather than with Ferguson, who was applauded by the fans after the game.

“He’s got his own opinions and he’s watched the games,” Ferguson said of Ancelotti.

“He’s told me he’s watched the last three or four games, he’s been on the tapes and he’s watched them all.

“He knows there’s a good spirit there and a good base. He’ll introduce his own playing style to the team but I’ll be there to support him in any way that I can. I’ll always support my boss, always.”

Ancelotti’s first game in charge will be against Burnley at Goodison Park on Boxing Day, when Arsenal travel to Bournemouth for Arteta’s dugout debut.