PL: Everton v Arsenal

And Breathe.

After a last-minute winner was needed to beat Wolves at the weekend, Arsenal head north to Everton for their first ever match at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The Gunners have had the week to decompress and take a breath after a disappointing performance in their last outing. While leaving with three points, the players, fans, and coaches will know much more is required to remain top.

David Moyes has Everton in ninth place, with three wins in their last five. Most recently, they were defeated by Chelsea. They have shown greater attacking force this season through the revitalized Jack Grealish and ever-improving Iliman Ndiaye, who will miss the match due to AFCON. Midfield stalwart Idrissa Gueye will also be absent. New signing Tyler Dibling will be hoping for a start from the right. Midfielders James Garner and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall will look to provide spark from midfield.

For Mikel Arteta, an away trip after a week off could be exactly what the doctor ordered. His squad, most notably, his defense has been stretched across the holiday period, so the extra few days of rest will have been most welcome. In recent weeks, Arsenal have lacked the balance and linked understanding that was such a strength earlier in the campaign. Some of this is the injuries, but another part may be integrating new faces. He and his players know they need to respond this weekend. For all the talk of new faces, it’s an old face that saved the day last weekend. Gabriel Jesus could yet put more smiles on Gooner faces if he keeps making an impact. Bukayo Saka and Declan Rice will carry the load in attack, while Mikel will be desperate for a clean sheet.

Can Arsenal rebound from a lackluster display? Or will David Moyes get one over on his former player and dent our title aspirations? Join us at Dillon’s for another later kick-off on Saturday. Three points are a must.

VCC


UTA

KEEP THE FAITH ✊