English Premier League GW17: Everton vs Arsenal

The stage is set for an intriguing Everton vs Arsenal encounter as both teams, though coming into the game with contrasting circumstances, arrive with clear objectives – Mikel Arteta’s Arsenal, who seek to maintain their title push through defensive excellence and gather more points that’ll push them further away from the lurking Manchester City will be hoping to avoid any upsets.

Everton, whose squad has been weakened by Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye’s departure for AFCON duty and Kieran Dewsbury-Hall’s injury – sustained early in the first half against Chelsea – will be determined not to let those setbacks define them, instead drawing on their resilience to disrupt one of the league’s toughest opponents.

December is often the most demanding month in the football calendar, a period where squads are stretched to their limits as fixtures come thick and fast with little time for recovery.

Arsenal are feeling the full weight of that schedule, balancing Premier League duties with commitments in the Champions League, EFL Cup has seen them play four of a possible eight matches this month. Everton, by contrast, have had a lighter load, with their sole focus on the Premier League meaning they have played just three of their six December fixtures so far.

On Saturday, Mikel Arteta’s team face a difficult test against a David Moyes’ Everton who currently sit ninth on 24 points – organised, disciplined, and notoriously stubborn – a side capable of frustrating even the most polished opponents and making life uncomfortable for anyone they come up against – just like they did with 10 men for more than 70 minutes against Manchester United weeks ago.

Everton vs Arsenal Preview

Arsenal

Mikel Arteta’s team arrive with defensive solidity as their foundation, having conceded just 10 goals in 16 league games and are nurturing hopes of surpassing Chelsea’s 2004/2005 record of 15 goals conceded across a full season. The Gunners are also the second-highest scoring team in the Premier League with 30 goals, eight behind City.

Having not had their main defensive pairing of Gabriel and Saliba for the past couple of games, their centre-back positions have been filled by different players, all of whom have stepped in admirably and performed well in the absence of the established first-choice duo.

Everton

The Toffees, who head into the game at the back of a 2-0 loss to Chelsea, will be looking to get back on track when they face the Gunners at the Goodison Park. On home form, Everton are ranked 12th with a 4-2-2 ratio.

However, on Saturday, they face a stern test against an Arsenal side that boast one of the league’s most consistent away records.

For Everton to come out with a positive result, tightening up at the back is essential, with the backline needing to stay compact and organised, while full concentration is also vital – especially when facing a visiting side that poses a constant threat from set-pieces. Making home advantage count will be crucial to Everton and their hopes of climbing into European qualification spots.

Key Players

Arsenal

Saka

Bukayo Saka, Arsenal’s talisman and joint top scorer this season, with four, has slowly begun to shake off his injuries and find the form that saw him voted the PFA Young Player of the Year in the 2023 season.

The dynamic Englishman’s pace, flair, and eye for goal will be crucial for the Gunners, as his presence on the right flank adds creativity and cutting edge in what is set to be another fiercely contested EPL game.

In the Gunners last match against Wolverhampton Wanderers, Saka, was named Man of the match as it was his delightful corner-kick that bounced off Sam Johnstone to give them the lead in the 70th minute. He also created three chances and two big chances, and was a constant problem for the Wolves defence throughout the game.

Declan Rice

Arsenal’s midfield general Declan Rice has enjoyed a brilliant season so far, and his presence in front of the defence has given the Gunners both balance and control.

His composure on the ball, ability to break up play, and split defences intelligently with a single pass have allowed Arsenal to dictate the tempo in midfield, providing the perfect platform for their attackers to flourish. His influence has been key to the team’s strong defensive record and fluid transitions from defence to attack.

Rice, who is ranked second on the big chances created list with eight, has consistently been a threat in the final third, especially in dead-ball situations, and his performances defensively have drawn comparisons to Chelsea’s Moises Caicedo.

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Everton

Jack Grealish

Former Manchester City man Jack Grealish has looked like a completely different player since his move to Everton. He has rediscovered the freedom he lacked at City, thriving as the creative heartbeat of the team.

With his vision, skill, and leadership qualities on full display, he has quickly become Everton’s main man and a key figure in their push up the Premier League table. So far this season, Grealish has contributed two goals and four assists and ranks fifth on the list for chances created with 29.

On his side’s push to finish higher up the Premier League table and for Everton to secure all three points in this game, he will need to be in top form, driving the attack and creating opportunities whenever his team has the ball.

Everton vs Arsenal Head to Head

Last 10 games between the two sides at Goodison Park in the Premier League:

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

With Arsenal’s attacking consistency, Bukayo Saka looks a strong candidate to register an assist at any time and with Jack Grealish also being in form of late, he is also worth backing to have a shot on target.

Given that Arsenal have already scored 10 goals from set-piece situations this campaign, another goal from a similar scenario could be on the cards.

Everton vs Arsenal score prediction: 2 – 2 

Conclusion

It promises to be a tough game for both sides, and if the last ten meetings between the two are anything to go by, Everton may draw extra belief from the fact that they have often troubled Arsenal on home soil.

At Goodison Park, the Toffees have won five, drawn two and lost three against the Gunners, a record that should give them extra confidence that a positive result is achievable if they approach the game with focus, discipline and intensity.

Main Photo

Credit: IMAGO / Mark Pain

Recording Date: 13.12.2025