Harrison Armstrong
EVE
Center Midfielder
Box-to-Box
Jan 19, 2007 (19)
Right
6'1"
154 lb
Earns first England U21 call-up
Armstrong has received his first England U21 call-up after joining the squad as a replacement for Lewis Miley, according to the England national team.
Analysis: Armstrong steps up to the U21 level for the first time after establishing himself as a regular starter at club level. The midfielder has started all five of his Premier League appearances this season, recording one assist and four chances created while adding eight tackles, four interceptions and six clearances. His consistent two-way involvement has earned him an opportunity to compete for minutes during the remainder of the international break.
Continues to impress in 1-0 win
Armstrong generated two shots (zero on goal) and two chances created in Saturday's 1-0 victory versus Ipswich Town. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 96th minute.
Analysis: Armstrong was able to play a full 90 minutes despite being an injury doubt before the game. He took two shots in the game and created two chances in the game. He created a fantastic early chance in the game for Brennan Johnson who shoulkd have done better with the chance. The midfielder also won both of his tackles in the game although did get booked late in the game as his side tried to hold on to a 1-0 lead.
In starting squad
Armstrong (undisclosed) is in the starting XI for Saturday's clash against Ipswich Town.
Analysis: Armstrong passed his late fitness assessment after coach David Moyes expressed confidence he would be available following the minor training setback that had kept him out of the recent Cup match against Wolverhampton. The midfielder's return to the starting lineup restores Everton's preferred central zone pairing.
Should be available
Armstrong (undisclosed) is still waiting to see how he feels but he should be available for Saturday's clash against Ipswich Town, according to coach David Moyes. "We're still waiting on Harrison to see how he is. We expect him to be okay."
Analysis: Armstrong had been unavailable for the recent Cup match against Wolverhampton after a minor training setback, an issue assistant coach Alan Irvine had already downplayed as not serious. His anticipated return would keep him alongside James Garner in the central zone, having been heavily involved so far this season, averaging 25.0 accurate passes, 4.2 ball recoveries and 1.5 tackles per game.
Sits with minor injury
Armstrong was not ready to play Wednesday against Wolverhampton after picking up a minor injury in training, and Everton assistant coach Alan Irvine said Wednesday that "He got a little injury in training. We assessed him this morning and he wasn't ready. We are hopeful he will be ready for the weekend."
Analysis: This update suggests Armstrong's issue is not considered serious, though he was unavailable Wednesday after the training setback. His status for the weekend clash against Ipswich appears to be the next key availability marker, with his progress likely to be assessed day-to-day. The young midfielder has been heavily involved in the early stage of the season, averaging 25.0 accurate passes, 4.2 ball recoveries and 1.5 tackles per game in Premier League. Hayden Hackney featured in the cup match and could be next in line to join James Garner in the central zone if Armstrong requires further rest.
Two shots Sunday
Armstrong generated two shots (zero on goal) in Sunday's 2-2 draw versus Manchester United. In addition, he was given a yellow card in the 13th minute.
Analysis: Armstrong took a pair of shots from the midfield and had to deal with an early yellow card throughout Sunday's draw. The midfielder was eager to get forward throughout the match and largely did so well. He also managed the yellow card well, playing most of the match on thin ice after the early caution.
Two interceptions in tie
Armstrong recorded one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 1-1 draw versus AFC Bournemouth.
Analysis: Armstrong logged 86 minutes in a defensive midfield role, recording two interceptions, three tackles and one accurate cross from his lone delivery as Everton's press helped shut down Bournemouth's counter-attacking threat in the second half. He was withdrawn late with the game level following James Tarkowski's equalizer. Armstrong opens the Premier League campaign with two appearances in Everton's midfield as manager David Moyes continues to build depth behind his first-choice double pivot of James Garner and Hayden Hackney.
Provides one assist in energetic debut
Armstrong assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Saturday's 2-0 win against Crystal Palace.
Analysis: Armstrong was directly involved in Everton's opening goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Crystal Palace, nicking the ball off Daniel Munoz to feed Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall for the stunning opener, also registering one chance created, one tackle won and two interceptions across his 90 minutes. The young midfielder came into the starting lineup with James Garner still building his way back from hernia surgery. His opening-day assist will have done his chances of retaining a starting role no harm, even if a return to a substitute role remains the most likely outcome once the squad is fully fit.
Recalled from loan
Armstrong has been recalled from his loan with Preston North End and has returned to Everton, according to his parent club.
Analysis: Armstrong is over with his time on loan after half a season, as the midfielder has been recalled to Everton after making 17 appearances with Preston. He would score one goal and an assist on loan, showing some decent promise and hopefully working into minutes, after earning one appearance before departing on his loan spell.
Included on bench
Armstrong (thigh) is on the bench for Monday's trip to Leeds.
Analysis: Armstrong was in doubt for Monday's clash but was deemed fit enough for the bench. It's unlikely he plays a major role after returning from loan, but he is a depth option for a paper thin Everton squad. Armstrong made 15 appearances in the Championship last season.
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