Arsenal vs Everton
For the first time in weeks, the Premier League leaders have some wriggle room at the summit – albeit not too much – amidst the noise.
Last time out saw Arsenal win at Brighton, and I had to laugh when I read the Seagulls’ manager Fabian Hurzeler accuse them of “making up their own rules”, while critics uttered barbs for their functional football.
Sure, not all the Gunners’ Premier League 2026 highlights have been that pleasing on the eye, but there has never been a championship-winning team in history that have turned on the style every single week during a nine-month campaign.
There comes a time when a supposed duty to entertain has to be replaced with what ultimately matters: points.
Can the end justify the means at the Emirates Stadium again this Saturday when Everton, Mikel Arteta’s former club, come to town with the manager who first brought the Spaniard to England?
Talking Points
Not that Arsenal will be losing any sleep over what their detractors say. Their win on the south coast just over a week ago, coupled with second placed Manchester City being held at home by Nottingham Forest, means they have a seven-point lead at the summit (albeit having played a game more).
Since then, they have been in FA Cup and Champions League action in Germany, while Everton have been able to focus solely on this contest.
This is a Toffees team which has lacked some bite in attack, and they certainly don’t seem potent enough to breach the top-flight’s best defence.
Yet their away record this term means they have outside aspirations of securing European football next season.
In fact, since David Moyes returned to Merseyside for a second spell 14 months ago, Everton have won the most matches on the road of any Premier League side other than Arsenal.
They are unbeaten away from home since mid-December and travel to North London on the back of four wins in their past five away matches.
Qualifying for any form of European football would represent a titanic turnaround for a club so recently embroiled in points deductions and relegation battles. And while Hill Dickinson Stadium is made for European nights, it is Everton’s away form that has propelled their climb.
That incentive alone could mean they are tougher opponents then many expect this weekend, when they will be without Jack Grealish (foot) and Carlos Alcaraz.
For the hosts, captain Martin Odegaard (knee) and Leandro Trossard are doubts, although, at the time of writing, Mikel Merino (foot) is the only guaranteed absentee.
Yes, squad strength should win the day but, the longer the game goes on with Everton in the hunt, title nerves could become real and you can bet the critics will jump on that again.
History
The two longest established top-flight clubs, Arsenal have enjoyed a distinctive edge in their meetings over the years. The Gunners have tasted victory on 113 occasions compared to the Toffees who have won 65 clashes with 48 draws. That includes victory in four of their last six.
They have been close contests though and it was only a Viktor Gyokeres penalty that separated them in the fixture on Merseyside just before Christmas.
Both meetings last term were draws with a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park, in which Trossard’s opener was cancelled out by Iliman N’Diaye’s penalty, preceded by a goalless encounter in the corresponding fixture.
It was in 2021 that Everton last won on Arsenal turf as an own goal separated the sides in favour of the visitors, then managed by Carlo Ancelotti.
The very first meeting between these English football institutions was in 1905 in the then Division One when Sandy Young scored the only goal of the game to earn Everton victory over Woolwich Arsenal.
Betting Tip
Given the Gunners have only been beaten once at home all season, you can see why the SBOTOP Premier League 2026 betting odds are so one-sided.
If Everton did pull off a shock, then you would earn a tidy pay day indeed, including 1X2 @ 7.80 and Asian Handicap +1.00 @ 2.38. Even the draw will pay out @ 4.35.
It is the league leaders all the way, realistically, with 1X2 @ 1.34 and Asian Handicap -1.50 @ 2.21 illustrating just how fancied they are. The Toffees have proved obdurate opponents for Arsenal in recent seasons and a repeat of last season’s goalless draw is on offer @ 10.50 with Correct Score. A second Arsenal 1-0 win this term is also worth a tidy sum @ 5.40.
With Everton having a free week to prepare for this one, they should be fresher, but Arteta has assembled a squad with real depth and I expect them to prevail.
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR (⭐) BETS ARE WORTH:
⭐⭐⭐= €20 (HIGHLY CONFIDENT)
⭐⭐= €10 (CONFIDENT)
⭐= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT)
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
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