Arsenal are back home for clash with Everton
By Matt Smith
The Gunners start the day three points behind leaders Manchester City, and they’ll need a big goal-difference swing in order to climb to first place.
They face an Everton side that only lost their first game of the season last time out against Chelsea, but they are still searching for their first win on the road this campaign.
Arsenal will certainly fancy their chances, given their record at home against Everton of late, conceding just twice across the last five meetings.
Team news
Arsenal were dealt a crucial blow heading into this game after Bukayo Saka was substituted due to a quad injury against Bayern Munich during the week. He looks set to be out for six to eight weeks, which is a huge disappointment for Arsenal.
Saka joins William Saliba and Christos Tzolis on the sidelines, but Piero Hincapié has been passed fit.
David Moyes refused to provide any injury updates heading into this game. Jarrad Branthwaite couldn’t be seen in the training footage earlier this week, but that’s the only injury concern we know of for the Toffees.
Arsenal haven’t clicked in attack yet
It’s not quite clicked for Arsenal in the final third just yet, especially in comparison to their competitors at the top. Manchester City have bagged 19 goals, while Brighton have a phenomenal 23, but Arsenal are sitting on just 11.
Injuries all across the front line have hampered the Gunners this season, while they have lost two final-third threats in Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard. They face a resolute defence in Everton this weekend, so Mikel Arteta will be hoping it finally clicks.
Everton struggling going forward
Creating and scoring chances has been a major issue for Everton so far this season. Moyes’ side have created just 9.4 expected goals, finding the back of the net on eight occasions.
Everton don’t create an awful lot, but when they do, it tends to be a big chance. No side in the Premier League has missed more big chances than Everton this season, as they sit level with Bournemouth on 18.
Eze’s time to shine
Eberechi Eze has struggled for regular minutes so far this season. The England international has started to become a threat in the final third for the Gunners, scoring twice in his last three games.
The injuries to Saka and Tzolis almost guarantee Eze a start in this game, and it’s a real opportunity for him to prove himself to Arteta. Eze has struggled to make a huge impact off the left-hand side so far this season, but it’s a position he’s going to have to get used to. He’s going to find it difficult to displace Martin Ødegaard in the number 10 role.
Prediction
Everton held Arsenal for 89 minutes the last time these two sides met. They’ll likely be strong defensively again, but Arsenal should nick it. We’re going for a 2-0 home win.
(Cover image from IMAGO)
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