Arsenal welcome Everton to the Emirates Stadium on Saturday as they look to win their third consecutive Premier League game since they were defeated 3-0 at the Amex Stadium at the hands of Brighton last month.
The Gunners came from behind to secure all three points against Leeds United on their return from the extended international break. They then travelled to the City Ground to face Nottingham Forest last weekend. Substitute Noni Madueke unleashed a venomous strike with ten minutes to play which deflected off Jair Cunha and flew past Matz Sels to seal a crucial victory despite an underwhelming display from Mikel Arteta's men.
Everton were finally beaten for the first time this season in the Premier League by Xabi Alonso's Chelsea last weekend. Pedro Neto scored twice during the second half which proved to be the difference. Before then, the Toffees were on a eight game unbeaten streak in all competitions which included a dramatic 2-2 draw with Manchester United thanks to a stoppage time long-range worldie by former Arsenal academy graduate Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
Arsenal did the league double over Everton last season. Viktor Gyökeres' first half penalty sealed a narrow 1-0 victory at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Max Dowman was the star in the reverse fixture later on. The teenager came off the bench and completely turned the game round for the Gunners. What looked to be a frustrating goalless draw became a match that many Arsenal fans will remember for years to come. Dowman delivered a delicious cross into the box with seconds remaining of regular time. Piero Hincapié managed to steer the ball across the box for Gyökeres to stab home and win the game. Everton pushed for an equaliser but deep into added time, Arsenal cleared a corner and hit the Toffees with a devastating counter attack. Dowman beat multiple players before rolling the ball into the empty net and sending the Emirates Stadium into delirium.
Arsenal Team News
Piero Hincapié and Martin Zubimendi are both expected to be amongst the matchday squad after spending a few weeks recovering from minor injuries. Christos Tzolis is closing in on a return to the squad but will not be back in time for the game this weekend.
William Saliba is still out and Bukayo Saka will begin his six week period on the sidelines after sustaining a quad injury during Arsenal's 2-2 draw with Bayern Munich on Wednesday night.
Everton Team News
David Moyes refused to comment on Jarrad Branthwaite's fitness so there is a possibility the Englishman may be benched as he continues to nurse the knock he picked up against Hull a few weeks ago.
Former Gunner Christian Norgaard looked completely off the pace during Everton's defeat to Chelsea and remains a doubt to be involved this weekend.
What Did The Managers Say?
Mikel Arteta was in good spirits ahead of the game despite dealing with Saka's injury setback. He seemed open to the idea of Dowman playing some minutes in the fixture he won for Arsenal last season. He said: "It’s something inevitable, to go back to that memory and the feeling of the moment. That’s with us and that’s going to stay in the stadium for a long, long time I think. He’s training, and every time he’s got a moment to play, he’s showing that he’s a player who is going to impact the game, so for sure he’s going to have minutes."
David Moyes was also positive ahead of a difficult test and was adamant that his side needs to take full advantage of the longer rest period they've had over Arsenal. He said: "We're looking forward to it. They've had a game in midweek. We have to try to maybe capitalise on their extra game in midweek."
Match Officials
Referee: Tony Harrington
Assistants: Adrian Holmes, Lee Betts
Fourth official: Ruebyn Ricardo
VAR: Stuart Attwell
Assistant VAR: Tom Nield
Kick-Off Time and How to Watch
Arsenal host Everton at the Emirates Stadium a 15:00 BST on Saturday 24 October.
Paris: 16:00 (Saturday)
Lagos: 15:00 (Saturday)
New York: 10:00 (Saturday)
Sydney: 01:00 (Sunday)
The match is not being broadcast in the United Kingdom.