Arsenal’s pursuit of an unprecedented quadruple continues as Mikel Arteta’s side host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday evening.
The Gunners were held by Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League in midweek, with Kai Havertz’s late penalty salvaging a draw ahead of the second leg in North London next week. Attentions turn back to domestic action for Arteta’s men, as they attempt to extend their lead at the summit of the Premier League table to ten points before Manchester City visit West Ham United.
Everton will be fresh heading into this clash, having not played since they beat Burnley 2-0 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium last Tuesday. David Moyes’ team have won their last two fixtures, beating Newcastle at St. James’ Park prior to their victory over the Clarets, and hold outside hope of qualifying for Europe.
Here are the key battles that we believe could be pivotal in dictating the outcome of the game in N5.
Eberechi Eze vs Idrissa Gana Gueye
Everton are weak in midfield, and this could be where the Gunners exploit Moyes’ side. While James Garner has developed into an impressive ball-winner for the Toffees, Idrissa Gana Gueye is 36 and very much in the latter stages of his career.
The Senegalese international no longer has the physicality to cope with top-end Premier League players and can be evaded with relative ease. Eberechi Eze will likely start as Arsenal’s number ten, and he could get joy by finding space in between the lines and moving away from an immobile Gana Gueye.
If the former Crystal Palace man can escape the Everton midfielder in and around the box, then he has the potential to be the match-winner for the Gunners on the day.
| Eberechi Eze’s statistics this season (all competitions) | |
| Appearances | 39 |
| Goals | 8 |
| Assists | 5 |
| Shots per 90 | 2.67 |
| Expected Goals per 90 (non-penalty) | 0.23 |
| Expected Assists per 90 | 0.14 |
Jurrien Timber vs Iliman Ndiaye
With Jack Grealish out for the season, Everton’s most potent attacker is, without doubt, Iliman Ndiaye. The AFCON winner boasts exceptional close control and can produce moments of magic, either through creating for his teammates or taking on spectacular efforts from range.
Most of the attacking options Everton have to offer won’t concern Arsenal, although managing Ndiaye will require Jurrien Timber’s utmost attention. Moyes’ maverick man could operate off the right, although he’s been used off the left in recent weeks, with Dwight McNeil deployed on the other side.
Make the challenge. Drive the team forward. 💪
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) October 2, 2024
Love it, Jurrien! 👏 pic.twitter.com/6tQdoQ0dct
Timber was poor away at Leverkusen, although most of his deficiencies were in possession rather than off-the-ball. As long as the Dutchman maintains his imperious defensive level, he shouldn’t have too many issues dealing with Ndiaye.
Viktor Gyokeres vs James Tarkowski
Kai Havertz’s continued fitness issues and Gabriel Jesus’ poor form likely mean Viktor Gyokeres will retain his place as Arsenal’s number nine for the visit of Everton. The Swede has struggled against more physical centre-backs, and the Toffees’ selection of defenders certainly fit this mould.
James Tarkowski is likely to partner Jarrad Branthwaite at the heart of the away team’s defence. Gyokeres tends to favour the left-hand side of the pitch, and thus, he’ll naturally peel out to the area occupied by Tarkowski, rather than Branthwaite.
Arsenal are likely to dominate possession and territory, and it’ll therefore be up to Gyokeres to find a yard of space inside the box and get on the end of moves. With Tarkowski closely marshalling him, it won’t be easy for the 27-year-old centre-forward.
