Everton's Mikel Arteta wary of Stoke City's ability ahead of league clash
Everton playmaker Mikel Arteta said he has been impressed by Stoke City's recent form ahead of the teams' Premier League encounter on Saturday, 30 October.
Stoke have become known for playing a physical game in the English top flight, relying on midfielder Rory Delap's long throw-ins to trouble their opponents.
In their current league campaign, Stoke have defeated Aston Villa, Fulham, Newcastle United and Blackburn Rovers. Nine games into the season, Tony Pulis' team are level with Everton on ten points.
Speaking to BBC Radio Merseyside, Arteta said he was impressed by Stoke's performance against Manchester United on 24 October, a game they lost 2–1 after Javier Hernandez scored two goals.
"They are a tough team to play," the Spaniard said. "I saw their game against Manchester United and I was surprised they had more possession than United with the way they play. I think they’ve changed a little bit, they’re not just long throw-ins and free-kicks,
I think they’ve got a bit more now. They are really powerful and physically strong and I’m sure they’re going to be tough against us."
Leighton Baines welcome to take more free kicks
Everton had only three points from six games before winning two of their last three league fixtures. On 23 October, Everton drew with Tottenham 1–1 after Leighton Baines scored a picture-perfect free kick in the first half.
Arteta, who has scored plenty of free kicks since joining Everton in 2005, said he is willing to share his set-piece duties with the Englishman from now on.
"Bainesy is a very good free-kick taker and if he has to take one again at the weekend it will be no problem," he said, adding that the left-back's strike against Tottenham was executed to perfection. "It was a great free-kick, one of the best because the
technique was absolutely perfect."
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