Everton vs Arsenal: 3 key battles to decide Goodison showdown

Arsenal will arguably face their toughest test of the Premier League campaign yet when they travel to winless Everton on Sunday.

A clash with the perennial relegation fighters may not seem too daunting at first, but three successive defeats at Goodison Park and a terrible record against Sean Dyche indicate the Gunners will be working hard in their search for all three points.

However, records are made to be broken and our goal-shy hosts have looked as vulnerable as ever at their hostile Merseyside home this year, which suggests an away victory is surely just around the corner.

3 key battles to keep an eye on as Arsenal take on Everton at Goodison Park

Recent games prove we must not take anything for granted, so here are three battles Arsenal must win to claim a landmark result.

Beto will have to be contained on Sunday. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)

1. Gabriel Magalhaes vs Beto

Injury problems in both camps mean Gabriel and Beto will make just their second starts of the 2023/24 season.

Following another layoff for Thomas Partey and Zinchenko’s timely return, Gabriel should rekindle his partnership with William Saliba and offer us invaluable physicality against the imposing 6’3” figure of Beto.

The recent Brazil debutant is always primed to attack crosses and, as per FBref, won a commendable 2.93 aerial duels per 90 minutes last year – better than 86% of defensive peers across Europe.

Meanwhile, despite his considerable frame, Beto provides more threat for Everton through his pace and clever off-the-ball movement than he does with his head, so our offside-trap specialist will need to be on his guard to protect the clean sheet.

This weekend marks Gabriel’s 100th Premier League appearance (if he plays), and what better way to celebrate it than by ending the Goodison hoodoo?

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