The reason behind this poor form boiled down to defensive issues from set pieces and crosses. However, this is a very different team to the sides of before, transformed from last season’s disappointment with the addition of Declan Rice and the return of Gabriel Jesus.
The Brazilian was unavailable for the trip to the northwest earlier this year but he returns to rejoin Oleksandr Zinchenko who made his first start of the season in the win over Manchester United. Both Zinchenko and Jesus, who cost the club £77million when Pep Guardiola sanctioned their moves to north London, haven’t started a game together since May 7, toward the end of last season when the Gunners overcame Newcastle at St James’ Park to win 2-0.
This was a successful run of just four games with the pair having both suffered with injury issues in their first season which has sadly persisted into the current campaign. In their stead, Eddie Nketiah had been on top form for the club and it’s fair to argue that the 24-year-old should continue to start over Jesus.
That said, the Brazilian came off the bench and was pivotal in helping the Gunners gain all three points against Manchester United. His short cameo featured a goal and involvement in the build-up leading the corner that would deliver Declan Rice the ball for his goal.
Everton have struggled this season and are four games without a win, leaving them on just one point and in the relegation zone once again despite facing none of the 'Big Six'. Arsenal’s defeat in Merseyside last season was also at a time when spirits were low despite a change of coach to Sean Dyche, but a single goal changed everything and aided in their successful survival bid.Mikel Arteta needs to make some tough calls as his squad continues to strengthen and competition for places intensifies. Players are going to be disappointed but at the same time managing the load on players is also important.
Everton will be without some key players like Seamus Coleman and Dele Alli. However, there are further doubts regarding Jarrad Braithwaite, Jack Harrison, Andre Gomes, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane and Lewis Dobbin.
It’s a must-win game for the Gunners who are aiming to continue their unbeaten start to the season. A win here and in the north London derby the following week would see them better their start to the previous season in what would be a huge boost to the side.
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