Arsenal took advantage of Everton’s missing creative spine to beat the Toffees and ensure their place at the top of the tree for Christmas.
After being frustrated for the first 20 minutes, the Gunners were given a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after Jake O’Brien, with both arms raised, bewilderingly handled a corner delivery, with a penalty being awarded after a VAR check.
Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and converted, putting the Gunners in control of an Everton side without its key creators, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured and Iliman Ndiaye on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Mikel Arteta‘s side spurned a couple of opportunities to extend their lead after the break, hitting the post twice, but they were able to quell any Everton comeback to respond effectively to Manchester City win over West Ham earlier in the day, taking back top spot ahead of Christmas Day.
Follow all the action in The Independent’s live blog below:
Read MoreThierry Henry shares advice for young players after winning BBC SPOTY lifetime achievement award
Everton vs Arsenal live
- Arsenal return to top of Premier League tree with nervy win at Everton
- 68' OFF THE POST! Zubimendi pings another off post for Gunners [EVE 0-1 ARS]
- 64' OFF THE POST! Trossard beats Pickford but bends onto woodwork [EVE 0-1 ARS]
- 27' GOAL! Gyokeres smashes penalty in to break deadlock [EVE 0-1 ARS]
Arsenal return to top of tree for Christmas
22:20 , Will Castle FULL-TIME! Everton 0-1 Arsenal
22:04 , Will CastleArsenal took advantage of Everton’s missing creative spine to beat the Toffees and ensure their place at the top of the tree for Christmas.
After being frustrated for the first 20 minutes, the Gunners were given a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after Jake O’Brien, with both arms raised, bewilderingly handled a corner delivery, with a penalty being awarded after a VAR check.
Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and converted, putting the Gunners in control of an Everton side without its key creators, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured and Iliman Ndiaye on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Mikel Arteta‘s side spurned a couple of opportunities to extend their lead after the break, hitting the post twice, but they were able to quell any Everton comeback to respond effectively to Manchester City win over West Ham earlier in the day, taking back top spot ahead of Christmas Day.
FULL-TIME! Everton 0-1 Arsenal
22:01 , Will CastleIt wasn’t a comfortable night, but Arsenal are top of the tree for Christmas!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
22:00 , Will Castle90+7 mins: The Arsenal head of Hincapie meets it. That should be all.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
22:00 , Will Castle90+6 mins: Free kick in the Arsenal half for Everton. One last chance to launch it into the box.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:59 , Will Castle90+5 mins: Dibling tries a low cross but it doesn’t beat the first man. No damage done as Martinelli chases down the cleared ball.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:58 , Will Castle90+4 mins: The Toffees do indeed pump it long but they can’t do much with it as one too many looping balls ends up in Raya’s arms.
Beto has been a complete passenger since coming on. It’s a familiar story for Everton fans.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:57 , Will Castle90+3 mins: Martinelli can’t keep the ball in play at the byline, giving Everton a precious chance to lump it forward and get in Arsenal’s half.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:55 , Will Castle90+1 mins: SIX minutes added on for Everton to find an equaliser, Arsenal to hold on.
But it’s Arsenal who look most likely to score.
Tarkowski could’ve easily just knocked into his own net - fortunately, it goes out for a corner.
But from that delivery, Saka delightfully whips onto the head of Pickford, requiring a strong punch away.
Arsenal are currently camped out in Everton’s final third, and it’s the visiting fans that can be heard.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:53 , Will Castle89 mins: Corner lifted in by Saka, away by Garner. But Everton haven’t found a way out yet.
Arsenal will be content with ticking the ball around like this for the remainder of the game. They’ve boasted 80 percent of possession in the past 10 minutes.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:51 , Will Castle88 mins: Keane had to be spot on with that.
Saka beats Mykolenko to get into the box and with the winger bearing down on goal, Keane stretches a leg out and gets a toe on it.
Arsenal have a corner - and they’re bring Merino on for it. Odegaard makes way.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:50 , Will Castle86 mins: Beto tries to make life difficult for Saliba, forcing him backwards and into a corner near the sideline, by the Frenchman does well to withstand the pressure and get the ball back to his keeper.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:49 , Will Castle84 mins: Arsenal tick it around the Everton box trying to find a way through but they fail to create anything to note, allowing the hosts to break through Rohl’s fresh legs.
He drives at weary Arsenal defenders but gets his next pass all wrong, giving the Gunners a reprieve.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:44 , Will Castle79 mins: Perfectly weighted pass is slipped through to Timber but his low cross is blocked by Mykolenko, before brushing off the Dutchman to go out for a goal-kick.
Substitute time for Arteta, who replaces Trossard with Martinelli on the left. Trossard came so close to settling this one - but alas, it’s still to play for.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:42 , Will Castle78 mins: The ball is hoisted in by Tarkowski towards an Everton head but it knocks nicely towards Raya for the Spaniard to collect.
'Moyes' last roll of the dice'
21:41 , Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
“Dibling and Rohl are David Moyes' last throw of the dice. His remaining substitutes are kids, full-backs and goalkeepers.”
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:40 , Will Castle75 mins: Double change in the offing for Everton as they replace Charly Alcaraz and Dwight McNeil with Merlin Rohl and, to a big cheer, Tyler Dibling.
The teenage prodigy hasn’t had much of a shout since joining from Southampton in the summer. Can he conjure up some magic now?
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:38 , Will Castle73 mins: Saka drives at Keane and gets into the box but the Everton defender stands his ground and doesn’t let him get a meaningful shot at goal, blocking his effort that goes out for a goal kick.
He earns a big pat on the back from Pickford.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:34 , Will Castle68 mins: OFF THE POST! Odegaard pulls it back for Zubimendi and Arsenal see another effort ping off the post as the Spaniard drills it low into the woodwork.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:33 , Will Castle66 mins: Attacking changes from both sides just now - Jesus has come on for Gyokeres, while Barry has been swapped out for Beto.
Merry Christmas, Everton
21:31 , Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
“A sighting of both Jesus and Gabriel at Christmas in Gabriel Jesus. Beto is almost coming on, but there are fewer references to him in the bible.”
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:29 , Will Castle64 mins: OFF THE POST! So nearly breathing space for Arsenal!
It was the move of the match as Arsenal switched it from right to left, with Rice playing the final pass to Trossard to seemingly put it on a plate for the Belgian.
Usually so potent in these positions, he bends towards the far corner but it whacks the post and away.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:27 , Will Castle62 mins: Everton have looked infinitely more threatening in the past 15 minutes than they did before the break - it’s a much better contest now.
But while the Toffees may be probing for an equaliser, Arsenal are trying to catch them cold at the break.
The Gunners come forward and and try and work it in the box, this time to no avail as key crosses and shots are dealt with before reaching Pickford’s goal.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:22 , Will Castle58 mins: Alcaraz just flashed wide with a volley from the edge of the box - but there’s a penalty check going on for Everton.
Saliba and Barry both go for the bouncing ball and the Frenchman kicks the Everton striker’s foot, leading to strong appeals from Grealish.
It has been cleared, but you see those given. Saliba is fortunate.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:20 , Will Castle56 mins: Gyokeres goes into the book for delaying the restart after a foul on Grealish.
As our man on the ground Richard Jolly said, the crowd has very much picked up - especially since that penalty incident.
'Crowd louder since half-time'
21:18 , Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson Stadium:Here’s Richard Jolly inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
“The crowd are altogether louder since half-time. There is more of a night-game feel, and night games were often the loudest at Goodison.”
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:18 , Will Castle53 mins: Big penalty shout from Everton as Zubimendi brings down Barry with a clumsy challenge.
For a second, the home fans think the referee has pointed to the spot when in actual fact Sam Barrott pointed for a goal kick.
Replays show that Zubimendi didn’t get the ball and tripped Barry up - but it was just outside the box, so nothing VAR can do.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:16 , Will Castle51 mins: OFF THE LINE! So nearly a second for Arsenal!
Saka and Timber combine on the right before it’s cut back to the Englishman in the box, who fires past Pickford but there are blue bodies behind him to block and clear.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:15 , Will Castle50 mins: After a spell of Everton possession in the Arsenal half with little to nothing created, Gyokeres drives across the halfway line and towards the Everton box.
There doesn’t look like much space but he manages to find some to squeeze through before bundling over, with Pickford collecting the ball.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:11 , Will Castle47 mins: Well, an early bit of action in the Arsenal box for Everton fans to sink their teeth into!
A long throw from O’Brien looks to cause chaos and it results with a snap-shot on the volley that is blocked by what looked like the arm of Timber.
There are appeals for handball but the shot was pummelled from such close range that their was nothing the Dutchman could do.
VAR checks it, no further action.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:09 , Will Castle46 mins: No changes, in case you were wondering.
BACK UNDERWAY! Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:09 , Will CastleAnd we’re off again!
Everton remarkably toothless
21:08 , Will CastleThis was just the second time on record (since 2003-04) Everton have failed to have a single shot in the first half of a home Premier League game, as per Opta.
David Moyes in need of major change after the restart. The players are just heading out to the pitch...
𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝟎-𝟏 𝐀𝐫𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐚𝐥
— Opta Analyst (@OptaAnalyst) December 20, 2025
Viktor Gyökeres' penalty is the difference at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
It's just the second time on record (since 2003-04) Everton have failed to have a single shot in the first half of a home Premier League game. pic.twitter.com/75oul648HI
Meanwhile at Elland Road...
21:04 , Will CastleWith Everton in dire need need of some attacking inspiration, a former Toffee is flying in front of goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who left Everton as a free agent at the end of last season, has scored twice to put Leeds 2-0 up against Crystal Paace.
That’s the fifth consecutive league game he’s scored in - having only scored one in his first 10!
Arsenal's penalty in pictures
21:01 , Will Castle HALF-TIME! Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:59 , Will CastleArsenal are taking advantage of Everton’s missing creative spine as they lead the Toffees in their bid to return to the top of the table.
After being frustrated for the first 20 minutes, the Gunners were given a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after Jake O’Brien, with both arms raised, bewilderingly handled a corner delivery, with a penalty being awarded after a VAR check.
Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and converted, putting the Gunners in control of an Everton side without its key creators, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured and Iliman Ndiaye on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
Mikel Arteta, visiting the new ground of his former club for the first time, is seeking to enter Christmas top of the tree after Manchester City leapfrogged them into top spot by beating West Ham earlier in the afternoon.
HALF-TIME! Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:52 , Will CastleThat’ll do that for the first half.
The hands of Jake O’Brien and the feet of Viktor Gyokeres separate the sides. After being frustrated in the early stages, Arsenal lead and are in control.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:51 , Will Castle45+6 mins: Arsenal break away with silky play but the final delivery just isn’t there, with the cross for Saka too high for him to get direction on it.
The winger heads wide and cuts a frustrated figure.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:49 , Will Castle45+4 mins: There was a moment where it looked like Grealish might be able to let fly there but he has it nicked off his toes by Hincapie.
Garner then whips in a delivery but it’s claimed by Raya.
Everton having a go at the end the half.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:48 , Will Castle45+3 mins: Calafiori is back up on his feet and looks OK, but the concussion protocol will now be taken. Game back underway.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:47 , Will Castle45+1 mins: Oof! Calafiori rises for the header but gets an unfortunate nudge in the air and lands right on his back without anything to break his fall.
The referee calls a halt to the game, an unpopular decision for the home fans.
That would’ve knocked the wind out of him at the very least. Let’s hope it’s not any worse.
Four minutes added on, but it’ll probably be a couple more with this stoppage.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:45 , Will Castle45 mins: Huge challenge from Tarkowski to get back and throw himself in front of Gyokeres, who had broken into the box and was about to let fly.
A potentially goal-saving challenge.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:44 , Will Castle43 mins: Echoing our man on the ground Richard Jolly, it really does feel like without Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall, Everton have had their creative spine ripped out of them.
In other news, a once-Everton marksman has scored in the Premier League tonight - only he’s scored for Leeds against Crystal Palace and his name is Dominic Calvert-Lewin.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:42 , Will Castle41 mins: Rice sets himself up to curl one from the edge of the area but it balloons high and wide.
He should be doing better with that - we know he has the talent to find the corners.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:40 , Will Castle39 mins: Everton skipper Tarkowski goes through the back of Gyokeres and is shown a yellow card for his troubles.
Arsenal had the opportunity to loft a ball into the box from a free-kick. Instead they take it short and it ends back at Raya. Now they’re playing out from their own box.
'Arsenal fans making the noise'
20:39 , Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
“The Arsenal fans are making most of the noise here. The Everton supporters are rather subdued. Much like the team, really. But without Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall to create, they really needed to score first today.”
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:35 , Will Castle35 mins: Arsenal threaten again through Trossard but Pickford comes out and plucks the cross.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:33 , Will Castle32 mins: Great defensive work by Iroegbunam, not giving up on the sprinting Timber to slide in and win the ball before winning the foul off of Odegaard.
Any potential danger dealt with well, there.
'Feels like a kind gesture for Gyokeres'
20:31 , Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
“Arsenal have quite a few potential penalty takers, with Saka and Odegaard on the pitch. Given Gyokeres' lack of goals, it feels a kind gesture to give him the spot kick. He took it well, though.”
GOAL! Everton 0-1 Arsenal (Gyokeres, 27')
20:27 , Will CastleViktor Gyokeres steps up... and SLAMS it past Jordan Pickford!
Penalty-saving specialist Pickford goes the right way but there’s no stopping that. Arsenal lead!
PENALTY! Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:25 , Will Castle25 mins: Stone. Wall.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:25 , Will Castle23 mins: Arsenal didn’t get a penalty a second ago. They will now.
O’Brien leaps from the corner and handles the ball with both hands in the air. It’s gone to VAR and this will definitely be a spot kick.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:24 , Will Castle22 mins: CLOSE! Some drama, at last!
Timber’s low delivery takes a fortuitous deflection, looping off Mykolenko towards the back post where Gyokeres is bearing down.
It misses the Swede and bounces out for a corner, but Arsenal want a penalty for a push in the back. They’re not getting it.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:21 , Will Castle20 mins: First half-chances for Arsenal as a low cross is deflected out towards Zubimendi, but the Spaniard snatches at the effort and blazes wildly over.
Gyokeres then rises to meet a curling delivery but can’t quite get enough on it to divert the ball inside the post.
'Man for man'
20:19 , Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly inside the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
“Everton are going man for man in midfield in a bid to halt Arsenal - though Tim Iroegbunam v Declan Rice may not be a fair contest.”
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:15 , Will Castle14 mins: Everton aren’t allowing Arsenal to build up any sort of rhythm and they’re making life difficult from Arteta’s side, as seen by a couple of deep deliveries that given Raya trouble.
It’s been a promising start for Moyes.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:10 , Will Castle10 mins: It’s been a slow start. A lot of long balls.
A couple of crosses actually go into the box from Everton players, aiming for Barry, but they’re dealt with by Arsenal heads.
Everton are seeing a lot of the ball, so there’s that.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:06 , Will Castle6 mins: Both teams kind of feeling each other out so far - ticking it around the back before sending a searching ball long, usually to know avail. Rinse and repeat.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:03 , Will Castle3 mins: Important early intervention by Keane to prevent Arsenal from breaking in behind.
Great noise inside the Hill Dickinson.
KICK-OFF! Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:00 , Will CastleOff we go!
'Giant tifo at the Hill Dickinson - but why?'
20:00 , Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson StadiumHere’s Richard Jolly at the Hill Dickinson Stadium:
“A first giant tifo at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, for reasons that elude me. Arsenal's chance to be the Christmas No 1, although when they have been of late, they haven't won the league. But still a big match for them. They haven't won in their last three away league games.”
The teams are out
19:59 , Will CastleJust moments away getting underway - don’t go anywhere!
Closing in on kick-off
19:53 , Will CastleWe’re just a few minutes away from kick-off at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Stay tuned for all the action!
Your move, Mikel
19:47 , Will CastleArsenal go into tonight’s clash playing chasers after Manchester City dispatched West Ham to leapfrog Arsenal into top spot in the Premier League.
Erling Haaland was in the goals again as City underlined their growing title credentials, doing all they could in their bid to go into Christmas top of the tree.
Here’s how things went down at the Etihad:
Erling Haaland’s brace helps Manchester City to convincing win against West Ham
Arsenal getting used to new surroundings
19:38 , Will Castle Have Arsenal got the bottle?
19:32 , Will CastleAfter such an imperious start to the season, signs of shakiness have begun to kick in for Arsenal.
They’ve gone through something of a blip. Before November, they’d only dropped points to Liverpool and Manchester City, their two obvious title rivals (at least at the time).
Since then, they’ve drawn to Sunderland, failed to capitalise on a man advantage in a draw at Chelsea, lost to Aston Villa and could have easily dropped points to Wolves last weekend if not for not one but two fortuitous own goals.
Of course, they’ve also won six times since then so Mikel Arteta is hardly in panic mode. But with Manchester City leapfrogging them into top spot earlier today, Arsenal need to rediscover that formidable form that made them clear title favourites at the beginning of the season.
They’ve been in a tense title race before - three times in the past three seasons in fact, all with no silverware at the end. Can they handle the pressure this time around?
Everton vs Arsenal: Head-to-head
19:17 , Will CastleThe Gunners failed to win either of their matches against Everton last season, despite finishing the season 26 points and 11 places ahead of them. Everton dug in for a goalless draw at the Emirates Stadium last December, before the two sides played out a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park in April.
Everton are winless in their last five Premier League games against Arsenal, drawing two and losing three. However, they won four out of five against Arsenal before the current winless run and Everton should also take heart from the fact that Arsenal have conceded the first goal in five of their last seven Premier League away games, including in each of their last three in a row.
They last conceded first in more consecutive away games between September and December 2019, just before Mikel Arteta took charge.
Mikel Arteta's first visit to former club's new stadium
19:02 , Will CastleEverton is familiar territory for ex-Toffee Mikel Arteta, who spent six years at Goodison Park before moving to the Gunners as a player in 2011.
However, this will be his first visit to Everton’s new digs, the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Will it be more good memories on Merseyside?
CONFIRMED TEAM NEWS!
18:47 , Will CastleEverton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; McNeil, Alcaraz, Grealish; Barry.
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Rice, Zubimendi, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Trossard.
Your Toffees to face @Arsenal! 🔵#EVEARS pic.twitter.com/MabkNi6I6R
— Everton (@Everton) December 20, 2025
🔴 𝗧𝗘𝗔𝗠𝙉𝙀𝙒𝙎 ⚪️
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) December 20, 2025
🛡️ Calafiori returns at left-back
🪄 Saka and Trossard out wide
🫡 Gyokeres leads the line
Bring the energy, Gunners ⚡️
🤝 Presented by @deel
Team news coming up shortly...
18:40 , Will CastleWe’re just a few minutes away from team news - here’s a reminder of what we know so far...
Everton will be without Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall due to a hamstring injury but Jack Grealish is available. Everton have lost Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye to the Africa Cup of Nations.
Arsenal continue to be without Gabriel Magalhaes, while Ben White is a new addition to their injury list. Kai Havertz remains out but is nearing a return. Riccardo Calafiori is available after serving his suspension.
WATCH: Thierry Henry reflects on career after lifetime achievement honour at SPOTY
18:32 , Will CastleMikel Arteta addresses Arsenal future
18:17 , Will CastleMikel Arteta says he can envisage life at Arsenal beyond his current 18-month deal but insists he must "earn the right" to get another contract extension.
Asked if he could stay beyond his 18-month contract, Arteta said: "Yes, but it is about today and a lot of things have to happen in the next few months, as well, to earn the right.
"I think the manager has to earn the right to be here tomorrow. That is how you react, how you talk here, how you go in the dressing room, the message that you send, how much the players follow you."
City just do, Arsenal think: Inside the psychology of the Premier League title race
18:02 , Will CastleDespite the scenes of celebration on the pitch, and the fact they were staying top of the league, the Arsenal dressing room had nowhere near the same feel of victory after the late 2–1 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers. You might have thought the leaders had lost. Arteta told the media the performance was way below the standards required, but he had already said it in far stronger terms to the players.
You can understand the concern, and there is reason for Arsenal to be worried now. Their performances have abruptly dropped – quite badly – while Manchester City have returned to imperious form.
Guardiola might be playing a new way, but the 3–0 win over Crystal Palace had an old feel. It was City constantly keeping the opposition at bay, always looking just out of reach. Oliver Glasner’s team, of course, gave Guardiola problems, but that was always going to matter less when Erling Haaland simply takes his chances.
One ominous new development for everyone else is that Phil Foden is scoring alongside the Norwegian, as City have finally added more goals from other angles.
This is an excerpt from the free Monday edition of the Miguel Delaney: Inside Football newsletter. Members of Inside Football also get an extra bonus edition every Friday. Become a member here.
City just do, Arsenal think: Inside the psychology of the Premier League title race
Everton in fine form
17:47 , Will CastleFrom a team touted for relegation to one contending for Europe in the top half of the table, the David Moyes has truly rolled back the years on the blue side of Merseyside.
The Toffees have four league wins in their last six, including one over Manchester United at Old Trafford and are proving a handful for any opponent, despite their toothless striker options.
Instead, its their midfield creativity that has been their source of joy this season - but with Iliman Ndiaye at AFCON and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured, how will they fare this evening?
Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal injury updates on Gabriel, Ben White and Martin Zubimendi
17:32 , Will CastleGabriel is “not far” from returning to the Arsenal line-up, Mikel Arteta revealed yesterday, as the manager gave an update on the fitness of his squad ahead of the Gunners’ trip to Everton this weekend.
“He’s pushing hard, as he does,” Arteta said. “He’s doing [training] sessions, he’s not too far. We have to see how he progresses but we are quite positive.”
Ben White added his name to the injury list with a hamstring strain picked up during the Gunners’ dramatic 2-1 win over Wolves last weekend, and he is not expected to return until the new year.
Arteta also spoke about Kai Havertz, suggesting he could soon return to the side after a long period out with a knee injury, and explained that Martin Zubimendi missed training this week due to load management.
Read more:
Mikel Arteta gives Arsenal injury updates on Gabriel and White before Everton clash
Arsenal's near-calamity against Wolves
17:17 , Will CastleThe face on Rob Edwards said it all as he applauded the Wolves supporters at the Emirates. The Premier League’s bottom side were moments away from just a third point of the season, away at the leaders, only to be denied as a second own goal of the night consigned themselves to a ninth straight defeat.
It was all too close to comfort for Arsenal against the league’s stragglers last weekend. Relive the action through Jamie Braidwood’s report from the Emirates:
Wolves own goals can’t hide Arteta’s fury at Arsenal’s ‘horrible habits’
Predicted line-ups
17:04 , Will CastleEverton XI: Pickford; O’Brien, Tarkowski, Keane, Mykolenko; Garner, Iroegbunam; Dibling, Alcaraz, Grealish, Barry
Arsenal XI: Raya; Timber, Saliba, Hincapie, Calafiori; Zubimendi, Rice, Odegaard; Saka, Gyokeres, Eze
Arsenal team news
17:03 , Will CastleArsenal continue to be without Gabriel Magalhaes, while Ben White is a new addition to their injury list.
Kai Havertz remains out but is nearing a return.
Riccardo Calafiori is available after serving his suspension.
Everton team news
17:02 , Will CastleEverton will be without Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall due to a hamstring injury but Jack Grealish is available.
Everton have lost Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye to the Africa Cup of Nations.
When is Everton vs Arsenal?
17:01 , Will CastleThe Premier League match will kick off at 8pm on Saturday 20 December.
How can I watch it?
It will be shown live on Sky Sports Main Event and Premier League, with coverage following the previous game between Tottenham and Liverpool.
Everton vs Arsenal live
17:00 , Will CastleArsenal will look to rediscover their conviction as they travel to David Moyes’ Everton in the Premier League.
The Gunners endured a near-calamity against bottom-of-the-table Wolves last weekend, requiring two own goals - including one in the dying seconds of stoppage time - to beat the league’s stragglers 2-1 at the Emirates.
Having lost to Aston Villa the game prior, Mikel Arteta’s side appear to be going through something of a blip and will be eager to get back to the firing form that has made them favourites for the title this season.
The pressure is on, however, with Manchester City leapfrogging them into top spot after beating West Ham earlier in the afternoon.
Good afternoon
15:19 , Will CastleHello and welcome to The Independent’s live coverage of Arsenal’s trip to Everton in the Premier League.
We’ll have all the build-up, team news and minute-by-minute updates from the game, right here!
