Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal to embrace ‘battle’ to end Everton curse
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Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta is preparing the Gunners for a physical battle with Everton at Goodison Park.
PHOTO: AFP
LONDON – Mikel Arteta has warned his Arsenal stars that they will end their Everton curse only if they are willing to put their bodies on the line for their English Premier League clash at Goodison Park on Sunday.
The Gunners are without an away win against the Toffees since 2017 and the Arsenal boss wants to banish that streak by matching the aggression of Sean Dyche’s team.
Without a league win this season, Everton are already desperate for points, while Arsenal have made an unconvincing start despite their unbeaten record with three hard-fought wins and a draw.
“I’m really excited about it, the last six years we have not won there so we are going to have to earn it,” said Arteta, who was a former midfielder at both clubs. “We know we are going to have to be at our best to beat them there, and that’s something we haven’t managed to do so that’s where we are going to start.
“We’ve been to grounds before where we haven’t won and we’ve done it. It’s about understanding the importance and knowing what we lacked in those games and putting it right.”
Former Burnley boss Dyche has a well-earned reputation for building bruising teams capable of bullying opponents into submission.
But Arteta is confident his team will be able to stand up to the physical test.
“Sometimes you cannot avoid a battle (with Everton), the style of play they have is very clear,” he added.
“It’s about trying to impose your way of playing and just to make sure your opponent’s strengths are hiding and that ours are coming out every single time.”
Arteta also confirmed that star winger Bukayo Saka “trained normally” amid concerns over a possible Achilles injury.
While Arsenal travel to Everton, fellow Londoners Chelsea will make the trip to Bournemouth hoping to improve on their one win in four games.
The Blues endured a turbulent campaign last season and finished 12th. This means that they will not be involved in European competition, which may come as a relief to their manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea will not be involved in European competition this term, which may come as a relief to their manager Mauricio Pochettino.
Chelsea have been hit with several injury problems, with Reece James, Christopher Nkunku, Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile among the key players sidelined.
“With the circumstances, I think it’s better for us (to not be playing European football) because we have 11 or 12 injured players,” Pochettino said. “I think it’s important now that we can recover and be more competitive.”
Looking ahead to the match, he added that his side had played well despite their defeats at West Ham United and at home to Nottingham Forest, and will be looking to build on those performances.
“The thing we are missing is to score goals, which is one of the most important things in football,” the Argentinian said. “We need to compete better. It’s the process of building the team. For sure, it’s only a matter of time.” AFP, REUTERS