Overview
After 2 consecutive victories, Arsenal have somewhat regained the necessary stability in the key period of the season. However, the 2-1 victory over Wolves brought a more relief than convincing feeling. Mikel Arteta's team was completely deadlocked in the first half and had to rely on two home goals to get all 3 points.
The failure to launch a shot on target in the first 45 minutes at the Emirates was a clear warning about the possibility of penetrating deep-lying defenses. However, Arsenal still maintained the top spot, two points ahead of Manchester City, and only needed another win to secure the lead as the Christmas break approached.
History shows that leading the table at this time is not a guarantee for Arsenal to win the championship. The last 3 seasons have all ended regrettably, making the pressure on Arteta in the 2025-2026 season heavier than ever.
On the other hand, Everton under David Moyes have revived significantly, having won 4/5 matches before their away trip to Chelsea. However, the 2-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge exposed the limits of a thin formation, especially when lacking depth to pursue European ambitions.
Everton are particularly vulnerable to falling behind, losing eight of their 10 Premier League games in this scenario. However, they have the right to be confident as Arsenal have won just one of their seven visits to Goodison Park since 2018.
Another worrying point for the away team is the ability to preserve the advantage at the end of the match. Despite being the team that conceded the fewest goals in the league, Arsenal conceded 40% of their goals in the last 10 minutes.
In terms of personnel, Everton suffered a big loss when Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye participated in the AFCON, while Dewsbury-Hall - the player who left his mark on the most goals of the season - was injured. Arsenal are not much better with Ben White, Gabriel Magalhaes, Cristhian Mosquera and Kai Havertz absent, but the depth of the squad gives them more rotation options.
In that context, Leandro Trossard emerged as a key factor. The Belgian player has contributed to 9 goals in the last 9 away matches and especially had the chance to score against Everton, opening up the hope of making a difference at Goodison Park.
Head-to-head record
In the most recent Premier League meeting, held at Goodison Park in April, Everton and Arsenal drew 1-1. Leandro Trossard opened the scoring for the visitors, before Iliman Ndiaye equalized from the penalty spot in the second half.
In the broader context, Arsenal are clearly in the lead in recent confrontations. Since a 1-0 defeat at Goodison Park in February 2023, the North Londoners have been unbeaten in five consecutive Premier League meetings with Everton.
In this series of matches, Arsenal scored a total of 8 goals, while Everton only scored twice. However, it should be noted that both of the previous season's confrontations ended in a draw, showing a certain balance despite the overall advantage still leaning towards Arteta's team.
Score prediction: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
The match between Everton and Arsenal takes place at 3:00 am on December 21 (Vietnam time).
