Mikel Arteta says Arsenal can’t avoid a ‘battle’ at Everton this weekend as the Gunners look to end a poor recent record at Goodison Park.
Arsenal travel to face Everton looking to continue their unbeaten start to the Premier League campaign, at a venue the north Londoners have struggled at in recent campaigns. The Gunners have not won at Everton since 2017, with their last five visits ending in four defeats and one draw.
Last season Arsenal arrived at Goodison Park top of the table and unbeaten in 13 league games, but fell to a 1-0 defeat as Everton unsettled Arteta’s side.
The Spaniard is prepared for another ‘battle’ this weekend against an Everton team with a ‘very different’ style to his side.
“Sometimes you can’t avoid a battle,” Arteta told his pre-match press conference.
“The style Everton have is very clear and it’s very different to ours. When you are trying to impose your way, looking to hide the opponents’ strength and get yours out it can be hard.
One player who could make a difference in midfield is Declan Rice, who has made a strong start to his Arsenal career since arriving from West Ham in a club record deal. Arteta said that he has been pleased with the speed in which Rice has adapted to his demands.
“Obviously, we always hoped his transition would be smooth and fast but the reality can be different.
“In this case, I think he has been really positive. He has found it really easy, he understood the team and our way of playing really fast so it’s going well for him.”
