Arsenal is gearing up to face Everton in the Premier League this weekend, and it’s undeniably one of their most challenging fixtures of the season, particularly considering their history of losses to the Toffees.

Everton experienced a significant uplift when they introduced a new manager last season, and one of the outcomes of their resurgence was a victory over Arsenal. This result had a substantial impact on Arsenal’s title aspirations, preventing them from clinching the Premier League.

Now, Mikel Arteta’s squad is determined to reverse their recent string of disappointing results against Everton. On the other side, Evertonians are eager to secure their first win of the season following another difficult start to the campaign.

According to Arsenal’s website, Everton has emerged victorious in four of their last five home league encounters with Arsenal, including the previous three. Should Everton manage to triumph again this weekend, it would mark the first time they’ve secured four consecutive home wins against Arsenal since they accomplished this feat between 1910 and 1913. This historical context adds an extra layer of significance to the match for both teams.

Just Arsenal Opinion

Declan Rice has made a highly impressive start to his Arsenal career, and a recent statistic underscores why he is rapidly becoming a key player for the Gunners in the current campaign.

Rice’s transition to life at the Emirates has been seamless, to the extent that he appears as if he’s been an Arsenal player for a substantial period. Widely regarded as one of the Premier League’s premier midfielders, he is demonstrating his worth as an astute acquisition for Arsenal.

Despite not primarily occupying the role of a box-to-box midfielder, the English international has covered a considerable amount of ground for Arsenal this season. In a new statistic tracking the players who have covered the most distance in the league this season, Rice impressively secured the third spot.

Dejan Kulusevski of Tottenham ranked first, having covered approximately 47.07 kilometres, while Manchester United’s Bruno Fernandes came in second, having covered a distance of 46.84 kilometres, as reported by the Daily Mail. Rice claimed the third position, having covered 46.75 kilometres, affirming his unwavering commitment to giving his all for the team.

Just Arsenal Opinion

James Maddison expressed his surprise at the shooting rating assigned to Declan Rice in the latest edition of the EA FC24 game, which is set to be released.

While Rice is widely recognised as one of the Premier League’s top midfielders, he is not known for his frequent shooting or goal-scoring prowess. His primary role involves other aspects of the game, and he consistently fulfils his responsibilities, earning praise from his manager and teammates.

In the EA FC24 game, Rice was assigned a shooting rating of 65, which reflects his limited use of this particular attribute. Maddison, who plays for Tottenham, appears to disagree with this rating. He suggested that players should not receive higher shooting ratings only when they shoot frequently, implying that other factors should be considered in assessing a player’s shooting ability.

He tells the England YouTube channel:

“I don’t think you have higher shooting, just because you don’t shoot that much, his little far-post whips are a joke, but you don’t shoot that much.”

Arsene Wenger has shared his thoughts on why he believes the Gunners have a chance to win the Premier League ahead of Manchester City in the current campaign.

Arsenal came close to ending their decade-long wait for a league title last season but ultimately fell short. However, the club has bolstered its squad by signing some talented players in the recent transfer window, with the aim of preparing the team for the challenges ahead this season.

While City is still regarded as the favourites to win the title, they have faced challenges, including the loss of Ilkay Gundogan last summer and the injury-prone nature of Kevin de Bruyne. These two players played pivotal roles in City’s success last season, and Wenger believes their absence could open the door for Arsenal to contend for the league title.

“I believe as well that City, having lost De Bruyne for a long period and Gundogan, who was a very important player, even if they are a top team I don’t disagree with that, maybe they (Arsenal) can take advantage of it,” Wenger told the Seaman Says podcast. 

“But we have to deal with the Champions League and that costs points as well.”

Chris Sutton has forecasted that Arsenal will secure a victory in their upcoming Premier League clash against Everton.

Arsenal is well aware that facing Everton poses a formidable challenge, and they are expected to approach the match with a high level of seriousness.

Sutton’s prediction is that Arsenal will emerge triumphant, although he acknowledges that it could be a demanding contest in which Everton may manage to find the net.

He predicts on the BBC:

“Can Sean Dyche do it again against Mikel Arteta?

Jakub Kiwior has conveyed a message to Mikel Arteta regarding his preferred position within the team as the manager tinkers with his lineup selections.

Arsenal has implemented alterations to their system this season, and injuries have necessitated some adjustments. Kiwior, originally recruited as a centre-back, has been deployed at left-back in at least one match during the current campaign.

Kiwior’s versatility has proven to be beneficial for the team, offering more options and opportunities for players to feature. While he has adapted well to playing wherever his manager assigns him, he recently shared insights into his favoured position within the team during a recent interview.

“I still think that my favourite position is centre-back,” Kiwior told Sky Sports as quoted by Football London. 

“However, it’s the coach who decides where I will play before the match, I know that.

Arsenal is on the verge of finalising a new contract with Martin Odegaard as part of their efforts to secure their captain’s long-term commitment to the club.

Odegaard’s contributions have played a significant role in positioning Arsenal as a contender in the Premier League, and he has proven to be a trustworthy asset for the team.

The Gunners have recently extended contracts for key players such as Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and William Saliba. Now, Odegaard is next in line for a new contract, and according to a report from Football Insider, the Norwegian midfielder is close to reaching an agreement that would see him earn over £200,000 per week.

This substantial salary would place him among the top earners at the club, underlining his vital importance to the team. Odegaard currently holds the captain’s armband, a testament to his significance to Arsenal, and it is expected that the new deal will be officially announced in the near future.

Just Arsenal Opinion

During the international break, one of the most heated debates was about who, between Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, would lead the Arsenal attack vs. Everton.

Both forwards are available for selection against Everton. But who starts the game? Mikel Arteta has hinted that Gabriel Jesus could make his first start of the season. The Brazilian missed the first two games of the season due to injury, but he came on as a substitute in the other two games Arsenal has played this season, scoring one.

Mikel Arteta gushed over his No. 9 during the news conference for Everton vs. Arsenal. The Arsenal manager recognised how the 26-year-old has changed Arsenal’s world and has made a significant contribution to the metamorphosis of his assault, giving it enthusiasm and making opponents uncomfortable.

Arteta said in the pre-match conference:“He is a tremendous player,” said Arteta, whose side finished runners-up in the Premier League in 2022-23.

“A really important player for us. He changed our world last season. You could all see that. He is going to be a really important player for us.

Some Arsenal fans still can’t believe they only paid £30 million to sign Martin Odegaard from Real Madrid. Given how fantastic the Norwegian international has been at the Emirates, he’s priceless.

Since moving to the Emirates, the 24-year-old has risen from strength to strength. Even his countryman, Erling Haaland, recognises his progress since becoming a Gunner.

Regardless of how good he is, Stan Collymore observes that the Arsenal playmaker needs to pull up his socks in terms of his leadership obligations as the Arsenal captain. While welcoming Arsenal’s choice to award him a new deal, Collymore feels the ex-Real Madrid man needs to push his teammates more to get the job done.Collymore said on CaughtOffSide: “Martin Odegaard is reportedly close to signing a contract extension at Arsenal.

“If and when that is officially announced, that will be really, really good news for the Gunners.

“He’s been excellent since he joined from Real Madrid a couple of years ago, and with his current deal set to expire at the end of next season, making sure they do not lose arguably their best player for next-to-nothing is really smart from Arsenal.

It was another HUGE weekend in the football calendar… It’s always great to see the Scottish League Cup start again. It was a shame Bonnyrigg Rose couldn’t get a result, though.

Lionel Messi did also sign for Inter Miami this weekend, so Marcus, Luke and Jim debate whether Messi winning MLS would be comparable to Maradona at Napoli. We also thank Ian Wright for the signing of Declan Rice and “my giddy aunt, here we go” Marcus has confirmed the signing of André Onana to Manchester United.

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Rejoice! The Barclays has delivered again! Marcus, Jim and Luke have got no less than three contenders for barn burner of the weekend to get stuck into on today’s show.

The lads also agree that Jason Tindall would probably thrive on a grown up version of Love Island, discuss how David Moyes and his band of Ferrymen ruined Brighton’s party, and celebrate the fact that a Sunderland player managed to save a dog's life. Woof!

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Sweet, sweet Carabao! It was the second round of the League Cup last night and today Marcus, Luke, Andy and Jim are loving Marco Silverware instead after Fulham overcame Ange-ball at the Cottage.

The lads then also speculate whether Fizzer is destined for the Canada job and they have an important message for Elon Musk… “Buy Manchester United!”

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Marcus, Jim and Luke are back to look ahead to the Premier League weekend and react to an England squad with some familiar faces. Yeah, maybe a little too familiar…

Plus, we ask what medieval structure Kenilworth Road will be this season and there are unconfirmed reports that Andy Brassell is a monster. Join us to kick off the weekend!

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Luke and Andy are back with the lowdown on a bustling deadline day! It left us pondering: will Stamford Bridge be blown up by extra-terrestrials?

We also discuss why Newcastle’s group of dread in the Champions League isn’t so bad after all and commiserate Luton Town after they couldn’t sniff out a single morsel at the Kenny last night!

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A taste of some of our favourite moments from last month on the show!

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Like the bloke next to Stevey Cooper’s ear, Marcus, Luke, Vish and Jim are back to scratch your Premier League itch!

We discuss Arsenal’s dramatic win over Manchester United, Spurs’ avuncular uncles, and - most importantly of all - who we’d want to be sat next to from the Los Angeles FC guest list against Inter Miami. Just keep Marcus away from Owen Wilson, please.

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International football is back, people! Marcus, Luke, Andy and Vish discuss reports that the FA are eyeing up Pep Guardiola with Gareth Southgate set to leave after the Euros… and quickly decide that leaving Pep to his own devices for months on end would be a terrible idea.

We also discuss Mauro Icardi’s new car and Michael Owen reaching new levels of pointlessness. And there’s the small matter of Jordan Henderson’s first interview since moving to Saudi Arabia - we have an honest conversation about him and his England selection!

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Take it from us, the U21 European champions: get yourself an oeuf. That’s our advice for the Lee Carsley-less France U21s.

Marcus, Vish, Andy and Jim are back with more pearls of wisdom to kick off your weekend! We discuss Gareth Southgate’s small headache over who will partner super headache Harry Maguire, while Andy calls the Netherlands Burnley and Marcus gets more excited about Jude Bellingham than perhaps anything. Ever.

Join us!

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Marcus and Jim jumped on the mics after Scotland took a decisive step towards Euro 2024! And one of our Scottish listeners tells England fans to “sook his baws”.

Plus, a West Ham fan and potential scratch card winner travels to Ghana to watch Mohammed Kudus, there’s a devastating blow for the PIF Posse, and qualification for World Cup 2026 gets underway. Yes, really.

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Are The Gooners one injury away from disaster?          

With the transfer window coming to a close last night, it has Gooner fans wondering if we’ve been left short at the back for the upcoming season. With Timber picking up a grade 3 rupture and is rumoured to be out injured for seven to nine months, should Arsenal have brought in another defender to replace Timber?

Last season we saw Tomiyasu and Zinchenko both pick up injures which left our back line open and led to many defensive problems, and it is arguable that William Saliba’s injury could have cost us the League title. With Rob Holding going to Crystal Palace on a permanent transfer and Kieran Tierney going on a season long loan to La Liga side Real Sociedad, it’s got Arsenal fans wondering if we needed to bring in another defender to keep more depth in the squad.

With The Gooners competing in four competitions this season, including the Champions League, squad depth is going to be a key factor in how well we can do. With the injury record of both Tomiyasu and Zinchenko it feels very risky not bringing someone in to replace Timber.

Areta was asked about why he didn’t go into the market to find a Timber replacement inh is pre-match press conference for the Manchester United game on Sunday and said this “Well, we’ve done quite a lot and obviously we have a lot of uncertainty over a lot of players as well, so we have to be very cautious and find alternatives and ways. Sometimes you want to do everything that is needed, but sometimes it’s not possible and we have to adapt” via Arsenal.com.