Good evening.

The only way to approach tonight is with big effort and commitment and the intent to get three points for a new beginning in our season.

We need to put passion and desire and personality on the pitch. We want to play well and be on top of our opponent, to have a positive performance, creating chances and taking chances.

Those are the characteristics we expect from Everton.

It has been a difficult period with results and players missing and I share your frustration and disappointment.

We want the absolute best for our club and all of us are doing everything to try to improve the situation.

I have complete confidence in all of the squad, their effort and desire is there, and we all want to return to the form and mood that gave us a positive start to the season.

We were winning matches and everyone was so happy with the commitment and ambition and we have to return to that.

There have been key players missing from our starting line-up. With them, our chances increase – they are capable of effecting results and bringing their teammates to a higher level.

I am certain that when we bring back players, we will do well and improve our position.

A lot of my teams grew stronger in the second half of seasons and I am sure it can happen again.

The derby result last week hurt, of course. It is a match that means so much in the city and I know how you feel about the fixture.

We made mistakes at the beginning and conceded two goals. Against some teams maybe we wouldn’t have been punished but when it’s an opponent with world-class players you cannot afford to get anything wrong.

Our reaction at two down was really good, from the players and from you. We were competing and everyone was trying their best.

When Demarai scored I felt we had a base to come back into the game, we caused Liverpool some issues and forced them to defend to protect their advantage.

You really pushed the team, creating a fantastic atmosphere, and we were generating some momentum.

The third goal changed everything. It was another mistake and they were ruthless with the finish.

It is vital that we eliminate the errors from our game. I am not talking only about Wednesday. We made some others which cost us in vital moments in matches but with more confidence this will happen less.

I know you will get behind our team again tonight. When you are supporting with intensity and emotion it gives the players energy to run an extra mile if it is needed.

We welcome Mikel Arteta and the staff and players of Arsenal.

Mikel is in his first managerial position and doing very well, developing a team that is competitive and has quality all over the pitch.

The Arsenal forward players are dangerous and in midfield they are quick and clever.

We have a game plan aimed at limiting our opponents’ threat and being incisive and clinical in the attacking third.

It was disappointing for Salomon Rondon to suffer a muscle problem last week. He was having an influence on the match; fighting, linking with other players and giving us a focal point. When he joined, the idea was to have some time before regularly going into matches.

That changed because of the injuries but little-by-little he is reaching a good condition and showing he can help us.

For the team, the immediate objective is to take a step forwards. The long-term plan never changes, it is to challenge for the top positions.

I said earlier in the season I didn’t join Everton to compete for eighth place. Has that changed because of the recent run? No. I want to fight much higher in the table and for you to be pleased and proud of our team at the end of the season.

We said from the beginning, the process will need time and patience. I live in the city, so I know you are clever football people and understood there would be setbacks, which we must try to minimise.

I also know you want to win now. We have the same feeling and will give everything for the result that will make you happy and start another positive run.

Rafa Benitez