Premier League: Can Dyche’s Toffees Trip Up Gunners Again?

Arsenal vs Everton

For the second time in the space of just under a month, Premier League leaders Arsenal are set to face off against Everton.

The Toffees memorably tripped up the Gunners in their first game under new coach Sean Dyche as they continued their recent run of success against Mikel Arteta’s side.

But the Premier League 2023 betting odds will be significantly in favour of the Gunners, who will look to keep their title charge on track at the Emirates.

Talking Points

Arsenal’s title charge back on track

Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes seemed to be on the ropes after a run of three games without a win in February, which began with a 1-0 defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.

But Mikel Arteta’s men have recovered well from that brief blip as they’ve won back-to-back games to reclaim control at the top over Manchester City.

After a late comeback to beat Aston Villa 4-2, they edged past Leicester 1-0 thanks to a lone Gabriel Martinelli goal.

Arteta has started January signing Leandro Trossard in both games, with the Belgian even leading the attack against Leicester. Trossard impressed in that role as he had two shots and delivered the assist for Martinelli’s winning goal.

Eddie Nketiah is expected to return to that starting centre-forward role against Everton, but it won’t be entirely surprising if Arteta sticks with Trossard against Everton after the Belgian’s strong performance last time out.

Meanwhile, midfield general Thomas Partey made his return from injury late in the Leicester match and should be ready to reclaim his place from Jorginho.

Partey’s return to the heart of midfield should be a significant boost to a Gunners defence that kept a clean sheet for the first time in six Premier League matches.

Everton showing signs of life

Everton’s survival hopes have received a significant boost under Sean Dyche. They have won two of their first four games under their new boss after just three in their first 20 games under former boss Frank Lampard. Although, they are still in the relegation zone, one point from safety.

Both of Everton’s wins – against Arsenal and Leeds – have come at Goodison Park. Meanwhile, they lost 2-0 to Liverpool at Anfield in the Merseyside derby and fell 2-0 at home to Aston Villa.

Oft-injured striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin has missed the last three games due to injury and is doubtful to return against Arsenal. But Neal Maupay has done a decent job of producing Premier League 2023 highlights as the starting centre-forward, with three shots in each of his last two starts.

Dyche has settled upon a standard defensive 4-5-1 formation, one that conceded over 70 per cent of possession and allowed 15 shots in their first meeting against Arsenal. Although, they did limit the Gunners to just three shots on target.

Everton could very well lean even more defensively in this second meeting against the leaders away from home, especially given their disastrous away record.

Dyche will have a big task in improving Everton’s away form. The Toffees have won just one of 11 games away from Goodison Park, with four draws and six defeats. Their six goals scored is second only to Nottingham Forest in terms of the fewest away from home.

History

Arsenal have a considerable 35-12 win advantage over Everton during the Premier League era, with 14 draws.

However, the Toffees have been a bit of a bogey team for the Arsenal, especially since Mikel Arteta took charge. The Gunners have won just two of their last eight Premier League meetings against the Merseysiders, with one draw and five defeats.

Betting Tip

SBOTOP odds have Arsenal installed as massive 1.35 favourites to get their third win in a row against Everton, who are priced at 7.00 to pull off a stunning double on the leaders. A draw is 4.70.

Arsenal enjoyed over 70 per cent of possession in their first meeting, and that could very well be the case again at the Emirates, with Everton likely to sit deep and defend for long stretches of the match.

Arsenal will likely emerge victorious this time around thanks to home advantage, but this figures to be another low-scoring affair against Everton.

 

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