A trip to the Emirates, where Everton have won only once (and never in front of fans), is not exactly the ideal tonic after last week’s dismal defeat to Chelsea.
But that is what faces Everton on Saturday, as David Moyes’ men go up against the Premier League champions.
Here’s what to expect from Arsenal.
LAST TIME OUT
One doesn’t always associate Arsenal with free-flowing, entertaining, end-to-end matches, but they were part of one on Wednesday, as they drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich in the Champions League.
Eberechi Eze and Declan Rice were on target for Mikel Arteta’s mean at Allianz Arena.
That game came after the Gunners had edged out Nottingham Forest 1-0 on Sunday, with Noni Madueke’s deflected strike sealing the points.
HEAD-TO-HEAD
There have been 227 meetings between Everton and Arsenal. It has been a heavily one-sided matchup, and it’s not surprising that it has been in the Gunners’ favour.
Arsenal have beaten Everton 114 times. There have been 48 draws and 68 wins for the Toffees.
Everton have not won any of their last seven matches against Arsenal, since a 1-0 win at Goodison Park in February 2023, which was Sean Dyche’s first game in charge.
ARSENAL’S FORM
Here are Arsenal’s last six competitive results:
September 15th: Ipswich Town 2-4 Arsenal [EFL Cup]
September 19th: Brighton 3-0 Arsenal
October 10th: Arsenal 2-1 Leeds United
October 13th: Arsenal 3-0 Lille
October 18th: Nottingham Forest 0-1 Arsenal
October 21st: Bayern Munich 2-2 Arsenal
ONE TO WATCH
Arteta conceded Bukayo Saka could well be out for a chunk of time due to an injury he suffered against Bayern, but that doesn’t mean Everton don’t have plenty to worry about when it comes to Arsenal’s attack.
However, it is in midfield that Arsenal really have a step up in quality, with Rice, Bruno Guimarães and Martin Ødegaard all capable of magic moments.
Yet it is from set-pieces that Everton need to be most wary. Arsenal, of course, are Europe’s best teams from such situations, and the Toffees have never really looked solid at them during Moyes’ second spell in charge.
WHAT CAN EVERTON TARGET?
Arsenal’s defence has not been quite as dominant as it was, but they have still only conceded chances worth a combined 5.5 xG in the league this season. No other team has an xG against figure lower than 8.1 (Bournemouth).
Everton hardly have the most clinical of attacks, but they did find a formula that almost led to success against Arsenal away last season — they stayed disciplined but were also willing to get forward and offer a threat.
Iliman Ndiaye is a big miss in these kinds of matches, when the onus is on a player to carry Everton upfield, but Moyes must be brave.
There is no need to be playing Merlin Röhl at right midfield, go and play two actual wingers — give Tyrique George or Tyler Dibling a go from the off, and give Arsenal something else to worry about defensively.
Leeds showed a few weeks ago that if you attack this Arsenal team, you can get some joy.
But, this is Moyes. It doesn’t seem likely.
Stats courtesy of Opta Analyst
Read more – ToffeeWeb Talk: Reaction to the Chelsea defeat and the next test at Arsenal – Episode 10