This afternoon, Arsenal will resume their league activity as they visit Goodison Park in Merseyside to play Everton for three points.
With today’s visit, Mikel Arteta’s club will be trying to erase recent history. The North Londoners have lost five of their past six games at Goodison, with last season’s 1-0 setback being among their few subpar displays in 2022–2023.
Arteta’s team might still be getting their bearings after the late drama against Manchester United at the Emirates, even if there has been an international break since their last game.
Alejandro Garnacho appeared to have won it with one minute remaining, and the score tied at 1-1, but VAR disqualified his goal for a very close offside call.
Scenes of joy in the away end gave way to scenes of misery as Arsenal took the lead in the 96th and the hosts added a third in the 101st minutes of play thanks to goals from Declan Rice and Gabriel Jesus.
Although the Gunners’ victory was unforgettable, all eyes will now be on Everton as they attempt to turn things around at Goodison.
What is the most recent team news for Arsenal?
Bukayo Saka’s fitness was questioned during the international break after Gareth Southgate disclosed that the player’s achilles injury prevented him from playing against Scotland.
Saka won’t be missing from the trip to Merseyside, according to Arteta, who also stated that all of the players had trained normally after their international commitments.
Regarding one injury report, Arteta stated that Thomas Partey is a “few weeks away” from recovering from a muscle ailment.
As Jesus regained full fitness, Eddie Nketiah led the line once more. Nevertheless, the Englishman may have to fight to get the start following the Brazilian’s goal and performance the previous time out.
There is another forward who has been performing well lately who could challenge the Englishman for a spot this afternoon in addition to the 26-year-old.
Leandro Trossard versus Everton: Should he start?
Leandro Trossard, who signed in January, was one player who stood out during the international break. He scored a captivating goal during Belgium’s victory against Estonia in the European Qualifiers.
The 28-year-old, who made 20 appearances in his first Premier League season with his new club, contributing two goals and ten assists, is still relatively fresh to the Gunners.
After being praised as ‘clinical’ by football pundit Kyle Boas of Tactics Journal, Trossard’s performance during the interval may put him in the running to start against the Toffees.
The adaptability of the £90k-per-week Belgian gives him an advantage over Nketiah or, more likely, Kai Havertz, who has struggled since relocating from west to north London this summer.
No matter where he plays, Trossard is a threat because he can create opportunities to play behind the striker, where the German has been roving this season. He is also a skilled finisher who can play more advanced.
Given Everton’s lack of a victory thus far and Arsenal’s imperative to triumph at Goodison, bringing the former Brighton wizard into the fold at this juncture might be the decisive move required to build on the incredible victory over United.
