Source: PA
Arteta: Huge test awaits Toffees
Midfielder Mikel Arteta believes Everton are facing their most difficult season for two decades because of competition from big-spending clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham.
Spurs proved what could be done with hefty investment in the playing squad as they finished fourth to qualify for the Champions League last season, just ahead of cash-rich City.
Everton manager David Moyes, by contrast, has had to work to a restricted budget and so far has spent hardly anything on bringing in striker Jermain Beckford, goalkeeper Jan Mucha and the relatively unknown Joao Silva and Magaye Gueye.
In fact his biggest signing this summer is probably that of Arteta, whom he tied down to a new five-year deal despite interest from at least two clubs.
With near neighbours Liverpool having fallen from their regular position in the top four and Aston Villa consistent top-six finishers, it heaps the pressure on the Toffees ahead of the new campaign.
"It is a nice pressure to have. We would like to be in that position because we know we can do it," said Arteta. "I think we have become stronger in the last few years but everyone else has done the same thing. This is going to be the toughest season of the last 15 or 20 years because the teams fighting for the top four, or even the top six, have big potential so we have to be really prepared."
