Arsenal vs Everton: History favours Arsenal, but Everton have reason to believe

Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, looking to close the gap on Manchester City while the visitors aim to bounce back.

History and context:

Arsenal are unbeaten in their last seven meetings with Everton, who have failed to score in their last two visits to the Emirates, including a 2-0 defeat in March 2026.

Everton’s last victory at the Emirates came in April 2021, but history alone won’t settle this one.

Mikel Arteta pointed to Arsenal’s struggles after their win over Nottingham Forest, saying: “We knew the margins would be small unless you open up the game much earlier.”

Arsenal sit second, three points behind Manchester City, but Noni Madueke’s impact off the bench against Forest highlights their strength in depth.

Everton’s defensive discipline could make this an uncomfortable afternoon if the hosts don’t find an early breakthrough.

Arsenal form and team news:

Arteta is expected to make significant changes following Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw away to Bayern Munich.

The Gunners’ last league match ended in a narrow 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest, with substitute Madueke scoring in the 80th minute.

Arsenal dominated possession but managed just one shot on target, reflecting their ability to find a way without always being fluent.

Bukayo Saka is expected to miss out after suffering a quad injury against Bayern.

Eberechi Eze is likely to start on the left, with Madueke expected to feature on the right.

William Saliba remains sidelined with a back injury, while Christos Tzolis is out with a thigh problem.

Piero Hincapié faces a late fitness test after an ankle issue.

Everton form and team news:

David Moyes looks to respond after Everton’s unbeaten start ended against Chelsea last weekend.

The visitors remain without an away win, having drawn all three Premier League trips this season.

Moyes admitted: “I thought there were parts of the game we did OK, but mainly we didn’t offer enough to create enough and didn’t make enough chances.”

Everton have scored just eight league goals, drawing a blank in two of their last four matches.

Thierno Barry remains their biggest attacking threat, although his six missed big chances underline their struggles in front of goal.

Christian Nørgaard has returned from a groin injury, while Jarrad Branthwaite is expected to be available following a minor head clash against Chelsea.

Predicted line-ups:

Arsenal: David Raya; Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel Magalhães, Riccardo Calafiori; Myles Lewis-Skelly, Declan Rice; Noni Madueke, Martin Ødegaard, Eberechi Eze; Viktor Gyökeres.

Everton: Jordan Pickford; Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Jarrad Branthwaite, Vitaliy Mykolenko; James Garner, Harrison Armstrong; Merlin Röhl, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, Jack Grealish; Thierno Barry.