Midfield monster Declan Rice the final word disruptor as Arsenal win ugly

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Arsenal are making a behavior of profitable ugly. Which is definitely higher than not profitable in any respect, however is undoubtedly nonetheless a reason behind nagging concern for Mikel Arteta. The supervisor’s default state throughout league video games is at the moment one among angst, together with his workforce missing a lot of the serenity they displayed earlier within the title race.

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Nonetheless, a victory is a victory. And what’s it they are saying about champions? All of them know tips on how to win in troublesome circumstances, when the matches are tight and the opposition followers are screaming for blood. That was the case right here, on Arsenal’s first journey to ’s new residence, because the guests relied on defensive resilience and a contact of luck to get the job carried out and return to the highest of the desk.

At one level within the coming weeks and months, the fluidity and invention will return to Arsenal’s sport within the Premier League. Pity the poor opponent who faces them when it does. However for now, it’s not fairly there. This win at Everton, secured by a Viktor Gyokeres penalty, will probably be remembered as a triumph of solidity fairly than type.

Arsenal had been additionally maybe lucky to not have conceded a penalty in their very own space, when William Saliba kicked Everton ahead Thierno Barry within the second half. That call was a supply of immense frustration for David Moyes, his gamers and the seething residence crowd – and one might completely see their level. “I feel now we have seen them given,” stated Moyes diplomatically.

Not for the primary time this season, the most effective participant on the pitch was Declan Rice. Arsenal’s midfield monster thrives in matches like these, when he can dominate the battle and crunch into tackles. The edgier a sport turns into, the extra Rice appears to develop in stature. Moyes, who labored so efficiently with Rice at West Ham United, described him as “most likely the most effective midfield participant on this planet”.

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If it weren’t for Erling Haaland, Rice would absolutely be broadly considered the best participant within the division this season. No different midfielder is shaping matches the best way he’s, and no different Arsenal participant is as able to disrupting the opposition’s momentum.

Rice regained possession extra occasions than any participant, had essentially the most touches and accomplished essentially the most passes. It appeared that each time the ball grew to become free in midfield, it was the England midfielder who reached it first.

“Unbelievable,” stated Arteta of Rice. “His all-round play, his management on the pitch, the quantity of balls he regained. He has been extremely constant this yr once more. What a large participant for us he’s.”

Rice is good at disrupting the opposition’s momentum – Getty Photos/Alex Livesey

Alongside Rice, there have been stable defensive performances from Piero Hincapié, David Raya and Saliba (other than the Frenchman’s alleged foul on Barry). One of many nice strengths of this Arsenal workforce, constructed over six years by Arteta, is that their defence is able to securing wins even when their assault isn’t at its flowing finest. For this Arsenal, because it was for a few of the nice Arsenals of the previous, one objective is commonly sufficient.

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For Everton, in the meantime, this was at all times going to be a troublesome night. They got here into this sport with out their two prime scorers – Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor is injured and Iliman Ndiaye is on worldwide obligation – and with a dismal file in opposition to the Premier League large boys this season. They’ve now misplaced all six of their video games in opposition to sides enjoying on this yr’s Champions League.

Everton’s downside was simple to determine: high quality within the last third. Barry struggled, and substitute Beto was not a lot better within the second half. “We did a whole lot of issues nicely,” Moyes stated. “The hassle, the spirit, the whole lot you’ll need, they did tonight. It was only a little bit of high quality, attempting to harm Arsenal a bit extra.”

The profitable objective got here at a second when Arteta’s gamers had been simply starting to exert sustained stress on the Everton again line. They’d one attraction for a penalty turned down, when Gyokeres went down below a problem from Jake O’Brien, however the second went their approach just a few seconds later. For causes solely he might fathom, O’Brien jumped into the air and used a volleyball approach – two palms, each outstretched – to divert the ball away from objective.

A fast VAR test confirmed the apparent: penalty to Arsenal. Up stepped Gyokeres to blast his effort past Jordan Pickford, and supply a solution of types to the mounting criticism he has confronted. Gyokeres could or is probably not the participant Arsenal thought he was, however a minimum of his penalty prowess can’t be questioned. This was the nineteenth penalty he has scored, from 19 makes an attempt, in league soccer since becoming a member of Sporting CP in 2023.

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Within the second half, Saliba’s problem on Barry was the closest that Everton got here to forging a transparent probability. As the house aspect pushed, they left themselves susceptible on the break, resulting in Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi each placing the put up. In the long run, although, a second objective wouldn’t be required, as Arsenal did what they needed to do.

10:23pm

Gyokeres post-match feedback

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres, chatting with Sky Sports activities post-match, stated: “It’s just a few that may take it and this time it was me that took it. It was necessary to attain that one. It was good.

“You at all times wish to rating targets. That’s the principle goal each sport for attacking gamers. That’s what we wish to do. Right now we might’ve scored just a few extra however crucial is we received the sport.

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“I feel I attempt to do my finest at all times on the pitch and naturally it’s important to get to know the system and the way we play and get to know the function and adapt to that. We’re enjoying fairly nicely. We’re in place within the league and Champions League, so stick with it like this.”

10:19pm

Saka post-match feedback

Arsenal winger Bukayo Saka, chatting with Sky Sports activities post-match, stated: “They [Everton] made it exhausting. We’re simply pleased we bought a win in the long run.

“I feel they’ve construction and the best way that they play with the followers, the gamers are so passionate, so they offer the whole lot. That made it exhausting for us. We had our probabilities and we might’ve killed the sport earlier.

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“There’s not likely any feelings in it [these matches]. We take the feelings out. We simply know we deal with our job this week, after final week we deal with coming right here and profitable. We did that at the moment. We’re again on prime of the desk however we’re not watching Metropolis an excessive amount of, or the opposite groups. We’re in management now. We all know if we win each week we’ll keep there.”

10:08pm

Arsenal’s fifth Premier League Christmas No. 1

Arsenal have now reached the highest of the desk at Christmas for the fifth time within the Premier League period.

Nonetheless, in every of these earlier 4 campaigns, Arsenal didn’t clinch the league title.

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Can Mikel Arteta lead his workforce to buck that pattern this season?

10:00pm

Full time: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

The ultimate whistle has gone. It finishes 1-0 to the Arsenal.

Arsenal will sit on prime of the desk this Christmas after a really business-like show.

No actual drama for Arsenal to cope with on this match, however reality be advised, this sport was not a basic by any means.

10:00pm

90+5 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

One final free kick for Everton… Jordan Pickford takes.

09:57pm

90+2 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Six minutes of stoppage time had been introduced and two have already passed by.

Can Arsenal maintain on for what could be their first away league win in 4 matches in addition to clinch a treasured three factors?

09:55pm

90 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Tarkowski virtually diverted the ball into his personal web after deflecting Merino’s by way of ball, however the ball narrowly rolls previous Pickford’s far put up to exit for a nook.

09:53pm

89 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Mikel Merino has come on rather than Martin Odegaard, as this match nears damage time.

09:51pm

86 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

One truth price remembering: 40 per cent of Arsenal’s 10 league targets conceded this season have come within the last 10 minutes of matches.

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A reminder this sport isn’t but over.

09:49pm

84 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Arsenal had been transferring the ball round patiently in Everton’s half, trying to find a gap to play the ball.

Everton then capitalised on Odegaard’s free go, and seemed to be breaking on their opponents, however their very own free go sees the transfer peter out.

09:44pm

78 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Leandro Trossard has come off the pitch, with Gabriel Martinelli approaching in his place. This may give Arsenal a much-needed outlet for these last levels of the sport.

09:40pm

75 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Moyes turns to his bench as soon as once more on this match, as Dibling and Rohl substitute McNeil and Alcaraz for these last quarter-hour.

09:37pm

71 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Saka and Timber share a clumsy look with each other after each collide with one another contained in the Everton field, as Saka is about to unleash a shot on the fitting flank.

09:35pm

68 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Zubimendi struck the put up for Arsenal not way back with a low effort from round 12 yards, the second time the guests have struck the objective body in 5 minutes.

09:32pm

66 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Viktor Gyokeres has come off the pitch, and has been changed by Gabriel Jesus, whereas Thierno Barry has been changed by Beto up entrance for Everton.

09:29pm

64 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Ian Hodgson/Getty Photos

Trossard has struck the put up after a terrific, flowing transfer from Arsenal.

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Rice slips in Trossard, who’s free on the left flank however the Belgian can solely bend his strike onto the far put up.

Large probability missed by Arsenal right here.

09:26pm

61 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Arsenal have been on the again foot for a lot of this second half, as Everton have made inroads repeatedly into the Arsenal half. One suspects Arteta may make modifications fairly quickly to attempt wrestle again management of this match.

09:23pm

57 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

VAR is motion once more on this match to have a look at a possible penalty, this time for Everton.

Barry stretches out his leg in an try to manage the ball, and Saliba makes contact with Barry’s foot as he tries to clear the ball. No penalty is finally given.

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Everton followers could really feel aggrieved as soon as they watch that one again.

09:19pm

53 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Everton have now set about attacking Arsenal, and for a second it seemed like the house aspect had been awarded a penalty after Zubimendi bundles into Barry.

Nonetheless, the referee factors for a goal-kick fairly than a penalty. However the residence followers are discovering their voice and this match is changing into stretched.

09:16pm

50 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

A superb block by Tarkowski denies Arsenal their second after Timber cuts the ball again to Saka within the penalty space after a improbable one-two, however the England winger’s low shot can not beat Tarkowski.

09:12pm

46 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

An Everton lengthy throw causes a little bit of chaos within the penalty space and results in Arsenal rapidly clearing the ball.

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Penalty shouts ring out across the floor for the house followers, however no fault could be discovered by the referee with an Everton effort blocked by Thierno Barry’s hand.

09:09pm

Groups are out for the second half

The sport is again underway now, as each groups come out onto the pitch unchanged from the primary half.

09:06pm

Shot-shy Everton

On every week the place you think about loads of individuals have been having fun with their Christmas work events with a minimum of a drink or two, Everton had been unable to take a single shot in that first half.

Can Everton brighten up within the second half to offer the house followers some Christmas cheer of their last league sport of the yr?

08:59pm

Everton’s lack of risk irritating residence followers

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The house followers had been rising pissed off by the quantity of management that Arsenal have on this sport. Everton are struggling to make a dent in Arsenal’s defensive backbone of Saliba, Hincapie, Rice and Zubimendi.

08:56pm

Gyokeres’ penalty prowess

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Viktor Gyokeres has scored 19 of 19 penalties he has taken in league soccer since becoming a member of Sporting CP in the summertime of 2023. Loads of followers doubt his all-round capacity however you’ll be able to’t doubt his penalty prowess.

08:54pm

Half time: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

The referee has blown his whistle for half-time.

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Arsenal go into the break 1-0 in entrance and accountable for this match, with out ever actually getting out of second gear.

Nonetheless, there should still be a sting within the tail from Everton if the guests don’t add to their lead after the interval.

08:49pm

45+1 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Some concern for Riccardo Calafiori on the Hill Dickinson after the Italian worldwide has a heavy touchdown on his again after leaping for a header.

After some checks by the medical workforce for a number of minutes, Calafiori staggers off to the sidelines and finally makes his approach again onto the pitch.

08:46pm

44 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Gyokeres seemed to be in for his second of the match, after William Saliba’s by way of ball as soon as the France worldwide ventured ahead with the ball.

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Nonetheless, Tarkowski’s well-timed block sort out sees the ball ricochet off the Swede and exit for a objective kick.

08:41pm

39 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

James Tarkowski has simply picked up a yellow card for a slide sort out into the again of Gyokeres’ ankle.

Everton have but to hassle Arsenal on this contest, however the guests are hardly operating away with this match.

08:37pm

Gyokeres’ fierce penalty

This was really Arsenal’s first league penalty away from residence in 2025. Simply in time as that is Arsenal’s last away league sport of the yr!

08:36pm

35 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

Some affected person play within the last third almost pays dividends for Arsenal, with Zubimendi clipping in a go simply above the Everton defence with Saka operating to satisfy the ball.

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Nonetheless, O’Brien makes an important interception to quash any rising hazard.

08:33pm

Gyokeres will get his much-needed objective

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A part of me is stunned that Gyokeres took the penalty as a substitute of Saka, however there isn’t a doubt the Swedish striker wanted a objective. That’s his first in six matches.

08:33pm

half-hour: Everton 0 Arsenal 1

That Gyokeres objective ended the guests’ current run of conceding first in every of their earlier three away league video games.

Extremely, on all 10 events Arsenal have scored first within the Premier League this marketing campaign, they’ve claimed all three factors.

Will they do the identical tonight?

08:28pm

GOAL! Everton 0 Arsenal 1 – Gyokeres

Oli Scarff/Getty Photos

Oli Scarff/Getty Photos

Arsenal have taken the lead, and it’s Viktor Gyokeres who has damaged the impasse.

It was a ferocious penalty that hit the again of the web earlier than Pickford had completed diving.

08:26pm

24 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal have received a penalty!

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Everton defender Jake O’Brien has inexplicably dealt with the ball from an Arsenal nook to stop Calafiori connecting with Declan Rice’s cross.

08:24pm

23 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

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It has taken 20 minutes however Arsenal are beginning to construct some momentum in possession, with Zubimendi and Gyokeres each firing off course in the previous couple of moments.

The Zubimendi probability got here after Saka moved to the left wing, the place he mixed with Trossard. Maybe such fluidity of motion would be the key in opposition to Everton’s organised defence.

08:23pm

21 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

A well-worked transfer from again to entrance began by a beautiful go from goalkeeper David Raya will get Arsenal into the Everton half earlier than Odegaard curls a cross into the field, which Gyokeres can not information on course together with his head.

08:20pm

18 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Martin Zubimendi has simply had the match’s first probability, after some vivid work down the left-hand aspect from the guests sees Saka minimize a ball in direction of the sting of the field.

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Sadly for Arsenal, the midfielder’s effort is blazed excessive over the bar.

08:17pm

Everton’s pre-match tifo

Nonetheless essentially the most placing factor about this match up to now.

08:16pm

quarter-hour: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Nonetheless no photographs on this match from both workforce. Everton search for for the struggle, however this sport has but to actually spark into life.

08:15pm

13 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Everton are making use of stress onto this Arsenal defence with a sequence of set-pieces. Jake O’Brien had simply slung a protracted throw into the penalty space which was rapidly bundled away for a nook by the guests.

The following nook was overhit and went out for an Arsenal goal-kick to the dismay of David Moyes.

08:12pm

12 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Everton, on the events they’ve travelled ahead with the ball have seemed to check Arsenal’s defence within the air. The guests have stood as much as the check up to now, however now should defend their first nook.

08:08pm

7 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Nonetheless no probabilities on this match as of but, with Everton intent to maintain compact in a 4-5-1 form out of possession inside their very own half to disclaim Arsenal any rhythm.

08:05pm

4 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres not way back picked the ball up on the midway line and tried to cost into the Everton half, however Michael Keane duly halted his progress with a meaty slide problem to dispossess the Swede.

08:03pm

2 minutes: Everton 0 Arsenal 0

Arsenal defender Riccardo Calafiori has simply collided with team-mate Piero Hincapié whereas charging forwards to go away the ball.

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Each males are up and operating albeit gingerly, however no contemporary damage considerations in defence as of but.

08:00pm

Kick off

And we’re off!

Arsenal, dressed of their conventional pink and white get this sport underway.

07:59pm

Everton are revved up and able to go…

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Everton are correctly going for it tonight with their pre-match build-up. An unlimited tifo has been unveiled (”on the banks of the royal blue Mersey,” it reads) and so they’ve unleashed a group of blue fireworks alongside it.

As you’ll count on, the ambiance is crackling very properly certainly.

Everton followers unveiled an enormous banner earlier than kick-off – PA/Peter Byrne

07:58pm

Groups are popping out

Each groups have made their approach out the tunnel, as Z Vehicles rings out from the audio system on the Hill Dickinson.

And the house followers have produced an attention grabbing tifo to mark their last league sport of the yr.

07:53pm

Group information reminder

A reminder of how each groups line up, as kick off approaches…

Everton XIPickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; McNeil, Alcaraz, Grealish; BarrySubs: Travers, King, Patterson, Beto, Dibling, Ruhl, Aznou, Welch, Campbell

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Arsenal XIRaya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, TrossardSubs: Kepa, Lewis-Skelly, Norgaard, Eze, Nwaneri, Merino, Martinelli, Madueke, Jesus.

07:45pm

Will Trossard strike once more versus Everton?

Leandro Trossard has been concerned in 9 targets in his final 9 away Premier League appearances for Arsenal (6 targets, 3 assists), scoring (3) or aiding (1) in every of his final 4. – Paul Ellis/Getty Photos

Arsenal ahead Leandro Trossard comes into the beginning XI tonight, and the Belgian worldwide has been in spectacular kind in current months.

Apparently, the 31-year previous has scored each of Arsenal’s away targets in opposition to Everton within the final two Premier League seasons, together with the winner in his workforce’s 1-0 away win at Goodison Park again in September 2023 – Arsenal’s solely away league triumph in opposition to Everton in seven makes an attempt.

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The final Arsenal participant to attain in three consecutive visits to Everton was Ian Wright between August 1995 and September 1997.

07:35pm

Moyes’ fond reminiscences of Arteta’s time at Everton

Mikel Arteta made 209 appearances for Everton and spent six years on Merseyside as a participant after signing in 2005 earlier than becoming a member of Arsenal in August 2011 – Adrian Dennis/Getty Photos

David Moyes spoke glowingly on Friday of his time managing Mikel Arteta of their six years collectively at Everton. The Scotsman in his pre-match press convention fondly recalled his experiences of managing the Spaniard, though he admitted how the present Arsenal supervisor was a “moaner”.

Moyes stated: “Mikel was intelligent in his soccer considering [as a player]. He knew how he needed to play as nicely.

“He had a very good upbringing when you have a look at the golf equipment the place he began, durations at PSG, durations at Barcelona, Actual Sociedad. He had an actual probability earlier than he got here and went to Glasgow Rangers after which got here right here [to Everton].

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“He’d really been round and seen a whole lot of golf equipment, a whole lot of actually good golf equipment, with good setups. He was a wee little bit of a moaner at occasions, Mikel. And that generally is an efficient signal as nicely. He needed issues to be carried out proper, needed it to be carried out good, needed the workforce to play higher.

“However he was participant for us (Everton). Nice captain, nice participant. Nice signing, actually, at the moment.”

07:24pm

Arsenal out to arrest alarming away kind

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Arsenal have didn’t win any of their final three away video games within the Premier League, in opposition to Sunderland, Chelsea and Aston Villa. In two of these matches, they conceded stoppage time targets – and so they additionally conceded a late objective at residence in opposition to Wolves final weekend.

It’s an issue that wants fixing instantly:40 per cent of the Premier League targets Arsenal have conceded this season have been scored within the last 10 minutes of matches.

07:20pm

Underneath-fire Gyokeres retains Arteta’s belief

Arsenal striker Viktor Gyokeres has come below scrutiny from sections of supporters this season. The 27-year previous Sweden worldwide has scored six targets from 19 matches since signing for the membership from Sporting Lisbon in the summertime – Nick Potts/PA

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Many Arsenal supporters will probably be stunned that Viktor Gyokeres has saved his place within the beginning lineup after his disappointing efficiency in opposition to struggling Wolves final weekend.

The centre-forward wants an enormous efficiency tonight, particularly as Gabriel Jesus is getting fitter and fitter. Mikel Merino is a real contender for the No 9 place, too.

07:14pm

Can Everton rise to the problem in opposition to a Champions League workforce?

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The problem for Everton was already important (they’ve misplaced 5 of 5 video games in opposition to Champions League groups this season) earlier than they misplaced Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor to damage and Iliman Ndiaye to the Africa Cup of Nations. These two gamers are Everton’s prime scorers this season, with 4 targets every.

It appears probably that the house aspect will probably be counting on Jack Grealish to drive them ahead tonight. Grealish’s contest with Jurrien Timber, the Arsenal right-back, will probably be a key battle.

07:12pm

Can Arsenal grow to be this yr’s Christmas No 1 and Premier League champions?

Gabriel scored in Arsenal’s 1-1 draw away at Anfield in opposition to Liverpool in December 2023, a outcome that saved the guests prime of the desk at Christmas – Michael Regan/Getty Photos

All 4 earlier occasions Arsenal have topped the Premier League desk at Christmas (2002-03, 2007-08, 2022-23, 2023-24), they’ve didn’t clinch the title on the finish of the season.

Arsenal followers, whisper this quietly, however ought to Mikel Arteta’s males maybe not look to win tonight on the Hill Dickinson Stadium, based mostly on this alarming pattern?

07:02pm

Manchester Metropolis have thrown down the gauntlet for Arsenal…

Darren Staples/Getty Photos

Manchester Metropolis at the moment occupy prime spot within the Premier League, after their comfy 3-0 residence victory over West Ham this afternoon.

Erling Haaland scored a double for the house aspect to take his league objective tally to an unimaginable 19 targets this marketing campaign.

In the meantime, no Arsenal participant has scored greater than 4 league targets this season. (Eze, Saka, Trossard and Gyokeres are all tied).

One suspects one among these 4 males must rating tonight if Arsenal are to take all three factors in opposition to Everton.

06:46pm

Everton workforce information

Everton supervisor David Moyes has additionally made three modifications to his beginning XI from his workforce’s final Premier League sport.

Dwight McNeil comes into the workforce to make his a centesimal Premier League look for the house aspect.

He’s joined within the workforce by Carlos Alcaraz and Tim Iroegbunam, because the Senegalese internationals Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye each depart for the African Cup of Nations, whereas Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor is dominated out by way of damage.

06:46pm

Arsenal workforce information

Mikel Arteta has made three modifications to the beginning XI from Arsenal’s 2-1 Premier League win vs. Wolves final Saturday.

Calafiori, Odegaard, and Trossard all come into the workforce, rather than the injured Ben White, Ebere Eze and Gabriel Martinelli.

06:38pm

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06:35pm

Preview: Will Arsenal prime the desk in time for Christmas?

Peter Byrne/PA

Peter Byrne/PA

Good night and welcome to the Telegraph’s reside Premier League protection of title-chasing Arsenal’s journey to Merseyside to tackle Everton on the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The guests began at the moment atop of the desk, however after Manchester Metropolis’s comfy residence win in opposition to West Ham earlier this afternoon, Arsenal will probably be nicely conscious solely a victory tonight will take them again to the Premier League summit in time for Christmas, attributable to Metropolis’s superior objective distinction.

This match marks six years to the day since visiting supervisor (and former Everton participant) Mikel Arteta’s first match accountable for Arsenal, a 1-1 league draw away at Bournemouth. On Friday, the Spaniard spoke in his pre-match press convention about how a lot he has loved his tenure up to now, and the way he’s relishing his workforce’s first go to to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The 43-year-old stated: “It’s [His six years in charge] gone quick, rather a lot occurred nevertheless it’s been an unimaginable journey and I’ve loved each minute of it.”

Talking on his workforce’s journey to the brand new stadium, he stated: “It’s unusual, however very thrilling as nicely. I feel clearly one of the crucial iconic stadiums within the Premier League is now not a part of our schedule, however we’re going to have the chance to win as nicely, the chance to win at an unimaginable stadium that they constructed, and Saturday night time, you recognize what you count on.

“In the previous couple of years, [we’ve had] superb information away from residence and people are the locations that it’s important to go and win the sport. With a purpose to obtain that, we’re going to should be actually good.”

Nonetheless, Arsenal enter this match and not using a win of their previous three league away matches, with their most up-to-date top-flight match on the street culminating in a last-gasp 2-1 defeat by the hands of Aston Villa. What’s extra, Arteta’s workforce have solely received one among their earlier seven visits to Everton, so the guests might want to reverse their current fortunes on their travels to retain the initiative on this title race.

In the meantime, Everton supervisor David Moyes will probably be buoyed by the provision of Jack Grealish for this fixture, however will be unable to name upon star midfielder Kiernan Dewsbury-Corridor attributable to damage. The 62-year previous Scotsman was in nice spirits in his pre-match press convention on Friday, and remarked on his workforce’s potential battle for European soccer subsequent season.

Moyes stated: “Each win offers you that feeling you could have an opportunity to make Europe. Each defeat makes you assume, ‘hey, let’s simply behave ourselves just a little bit and assume a bit clearer’. That’s simply the best way the Premier League is that this season.

“We received 4 video games out of 5 which bought us in a very good sturdy place and made us assume: ‘That is getting higher.’… If we had overwhelmed Chelsea final week we might have most likely bought ourselves as much as fourth or fifth within the league, which might have been terrific. So I hope we get these alternatives once more later within the season.”

Will Arsenal emerge victorious at Everton to grow to be this yr’s “Christmas Quantity One”? Or will David Moyes inflict a harmful defeat onto Arsenal tonight and heap extra away day blues upon his former participant Arteta?

Group information to observe shortly.

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