Everton vs. Arsenal is about to take place, with both teams coming into the game under vastly different circumstances but both coming into the game with clear objectives – Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal hope to avoid any surprises by defending superbly to retain the title and score more points away from a lurking Manchester City.

Everton, whose squad has been weakened by the absence of Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye for the Africa Cup of Nations and the injury to Kieran Dewsbury-Hall early in the first half against Chelsea, are determined not to let these setbacks define them and instead use their resilience to disrupt one of the league’s toughest opponents.

December is often the most demanding month in the football calendar, a period when teams are stretched to their physical limits as the schedule is dense and fast with little time for recovery.

Arsenal are feeling the full pressure of the schedule, balancing Premier League duties with Champions League commitments, having already played four of a possible eight games in the Carabao Cup this month. Everton have a lighter burden in comparison, focusing solely on the Premier League, meaning they have only played three of December’s six games so far.

Mikel Arteta’s side face a tough test on Saturday against David Moyes’ Everton, who are currently ninth on 24 points and are well organized, disciplined and notoriously tenacious, a team capable of frustrating even the most astute opponents and making anyone they encounter uncomfortable, as they did against Manchester United with 10 men for over 70 minutes a few weeks ago.

Everton vs Arsenal Preview

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Mikel Arteta’s side, built on a solid defensive foundation, have conceded just 10 goals in 16 league games and are on track to surpass Chelsea’s record of 15 goals conceded in the entire season in 2004/2005. The Gunners are also the second-highest scoring team in the Premier League with 30 goals, eight behind Manchester City.

Without Gabriel and Saliba as their main defensive pairing in the past few games, their central defender position has been filled by different players, both of whom have performed well and performed well in their absence.

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The Toffees come into the game after losing 2-0 to Chelsea and will be looking to get back on track against the Gunners at Goodison Park. In terms of home record, Everton ranks 12th with a record of 4-2-2.

However, they face a tough test on Saturday against an Arsenal side who have one of the most consistent away records in the league.

Tightening up the backline is vital for Everton to achieve a positive result, the backline needs to stay compact and organized, while concentration is also crucial – especially against visitors who are a constant threat from set-pieces. Exploiting home advantage is crucial for Everton and their hopes of reaching European qualification.

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Bukayo Saka is Arsenal’s magic weapon and joint top scorer with four goals this season. He has slowly begun to get rid of injuries and found his form, and was selected as the PFA Young Player of the Year in the 2023 season.

The dynamic Englishman’s pace, flair and eye for goal will be vital for the Gunners as his presence on the right wing adds creativity and cutting edge in what promises to be another competitive Premier League game.

In the Gunners’ last game against Wolves, Saka was named man of the match as his brilliant corner kick deflected off Sam Johnstone to give the Gunners the lead in the 70th minute. He also created 3 chances and 2 great chances, and was a problem for the Wolves defense throughout the game.

Declan Rice

Arsenal midfielder Declan Rice has enjoyed a stellar season so far, with his presence at the back giving the Gunners balance and control.

His composure in possession, ability to break up play and cleverly split the defense with one pass, allowed Arsenal to control the tempo in midfield and provide the perfect platform for their attackers. His influence has been crucial to the team’s strong defensive record and smooth transition from defense to offense.

Rice, who ranks second with eight big chances created, has been a constant threat in the final third, particularly in dead-ball situations, and his defensive performance rivals that of Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

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Jack Grealish

Former Manchester City player Jack Grealish has looked like a completely different player since moving to Everton. He rediscovered the freedom he had lacked at Manchester City and became the creative heart of the team.

With his vision, skill and leadership, he quickly became a regular for Everton and a key figure in their push up the Premier League table. So far this season, Grealish has contributed 2 goals and 4 assists and ranks fifth with 29 chances created.

In order to keep his team at the top of the Premier League table and Everton secure three points from this game, he needs to be at his best, driving attacks and creating chances when his team has the ball.

Everton vs Arsenal

Records of the two sides’ last 10 Premier League clashes at Goodison Park:

• Everton vs Arsenal (1-1)
• Everton vs. arsenal (0-1)
• everton vs. Arsenal (1-0)
• everton vs. Arsenal (2-1)
• everton vs. Arsenal (2-1)
• Everton vs Arsenal (0-0)
• everton vs. Arsenal (1-0)
• Everton vs. arsenal (2-5)
• everton vs. Arsenal (2-1)
• Everton vs. arsenal (0-2)

Betting tips and predictions

Everton have scored six times in their last five games, while Arsenal have scored nine times in the same period and are tied with Chelsea on eight clean sheets this season.

With the consistency of Arsenal’s attack, Bukayo Saka looks a strong candidate to assist at any time, while Jack Grealish has been in form of late and deserves to be backed up for goal.

Given that Arsenal have already scored 10 goals from set pieces this season, another goal in a similar situation is also possible.

Everton vs Arsenal Score Prediction: 2 – 2

in conclusion

This will be a difficult game for both sides and if the last ten meetings between these two teams are anything to go by, Everton may be more convinced by the fact that they regularly cause Arsenal problems at home.

The Toffees have won five, drawn two and lost three against the Gunners at Goodison Park, a record that should give them more confidence that they can achieve a positive result if they approach the game with focus, discipline and intensity.

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Credit: IMAGO/Mark Paine

Record date: December 13, 2025