Everton face a tough assignment at the Premier League champions as they attempt to get a stuttering season back on course.
The Toffees turned in arguably their worst performance of the season against Chelsea last weekend. After being competitive in the first half, they conceded within minutes of the restart for the third time this season and never looked like getting back into the game.
Some perspective is needed – it is only their first defeat of the season. But the manner of it, coming off the back
of an average performance at Hull, is concerning.
The seeds of the defeat were sown in the summer, of course, with David Moyes given few forward options and a pitifully small squad. That will hinder the team and impact results at least until January.
That said, there is frustration among fans at the underuse of Hayden Hackney, Tyrique George and Tyler Dibling, all of whom have shown positive flashes in the limited minutes they have had.
The game at the Emirates – a ground where Everton have won just once in 20 years – is not one to hang your hat on. Everton played well there last year, only to fall to two late goals, but it still feels optimistic to expect them to get something this time.
Looming afterwards though is a double-header against Newcastle, which will play a huge part in how the rest of the season is perceived. Lose the league game and a tumble back into the lower half of the table feel invetable. Lose in the cup and another avenue to end that long trophy drought is closed off.
Previous meeting
Arsenal 2-0 Everton, 14 March 2026
Everton held their own for large spells against Arsenal, hitting the inside of the post through Dwight McNeil in the first half, but an 89th minute goal from Viktor Gyokeres and a second deep in stoppage time by youngster Max Dowman sealed a harsh defeat.
Team news
Moyes was very coy on team news, refusing to answer questions on the subject, including Jarrad Branthwaite in particular.
He did suggest Christian Norgaard was further away from full fitness than he first though after his difficult cameo against Chelsea last weekend.
Final word
Everton have an awful record at Arsenal, as does Moyes, so this is a huge ask. It is very much a case of keeping it tight and hoping nick one at the other end. Stranger things have happened – they did nick a goalless draw there two years ago – but I wouldn’t put any money on it.
