Arsenal host Everton in Saturday’s Premier League clash at Emirates Stadium as Mikel Arteta’s side chase league leaders Manchester City. The hosts must manage without injured winger Bukayo Saka, while Everton arrive seeking a response following their defeat to Chelsea last weekend.
Mikel Arteta’s side return to domestic action after securing a 2-2 draw away to Bayern Munich in the Champions League during their midweek European fixture. The Gunners sit three points behind Manchester City at the top of the table entering the weekend’s fixtures, maintaining a strong home record at the Emirates Stadium where they have won all four league matches this term while conceding only twice according to league reports. The defending champions entered this Matchweek Eight encounter having collected 18 points from a possible 21, winning six of their opening seven top-flight matches.
Bukayo Saka Injury Forces Lineup Changes for Arteta
Arsenal face a significant hurdle following a quad injury sustained by Bukayo Saka during the opening stages of the match in Munich, which forced the England international off after just 10 minutes of play. Arteta confessed after the final whistle that it doesn’t look good at all
for the winger, with reports indicating he may be sidelined for approximately two months while undergoing further medical examinations to determine the full extent of the issue.
Coming up next… 👀🔴 @Arsenal v @Everton 🍬🩵 @CoventryCityFC v @FulhamFC ⚪️Follow all the action via Matchday Live 👉 https://t.co/o1ncNQ0fYE pic.twitter.com/FiZW1kYwMt
The enforced absence opens the door for Noni Madueke to take over on the right flank after scoring the winning goal against Nottingham Forest, while Eberechi Eze lines up on the opposite wing alongside the club’s established attacking unit. Eze responded positively to a half-time substitution against Forest by netting against Bayern Munich, and with Saka out, additional creative responsibility falls to Martin Ødegaard and Declan Rice in controlling the central midfield.
David Moyes Defends Arteta and Prepares Toffees at Emirates Stadium
The Scottish coach strongly dismissed historical media criticism directed at his former protégé before Arsenal claimed domestic silverware.
I remember listening and hearing people talk about what he hadn’t done. I’m saying: ‘what a load of rubbish.’ He won the FA Cup at the end of the first year and folks were saying: ‘he’s not won anything.’ He’s now right up there, winning the Premier League.
David Moyes, Everton Manager, via Goal
Moyes declined to answer specific questions regarding Jarrad Branthwaite’s availability following the defender’s absence from training footage, and noted that Christian Nørgaard is a little further away from full fitness than initially hoped after missing out on starting last week.
Starting Lineups and Tactical Adjustments in North London
Everton confirmed a starting XI featuring Jordan Pickford in goal, shielded by a back four of Merlin Röhl, James Tarkowski, Jake O’Brien, and Vitalii Mykolenko. James Garner, Harrison Armstrong, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall occupy central midfield roles, with Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson deployed on the flanks, and Thierno Barry spearheading the attack.
| Team | Key Absences | Recent Result |
|---|---|---|
| Arsenal | Bukayo Saka | 2-2 draw vs. Bayern Munich |
| Everton | Jack Grealish, Jarrad Branthwaite | 2-0 defeat vs. Chelsea |
Kick-off is scheduled for 3pm BST (2pm GMT / 10am ET) at Emirates Stadium for this 226th all-time meeting between the two clubs.
A FIRST GOAL FOR THE ARSENAL!Konsa bundles in at the backpost after Everton fail to clear their lines from a corner 💥 🔴 1-0 🔵 (7) pic.twitter.com/7Ab60qQvUv
More on Bukayo Saka
All the best build-up, special guests and more!Enjoy our Everton pre-match show NOW, Gooners 📺 https://t.co/xRLZZ3W1qN
Ezri Konsa has his first @Arsenal goal! 🔴The Gunners lead Everton 1-0 after just seven minutes 🤝 pic.twitter.com/zjZnvhOqUP