Mikel Arteta says he is not worried about Arsenal's lack of open-play goals as they prepare to welcome Everton to the Emirates in the Premier League.
The Gunners, who could go second with a win on Saturday, are currently six games unbeaten in all competitions, only dropping points in a 1-1 top-flight draw against Fulham last Sunday.
Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more goals from corners than any other side (23), in each of their last three Premier League games (four goals).
They proved on Wednesday that they can still score from open play in their 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League, and Arteta is confident they can do the same in the Premier League given the positions they find themselves in.
“No, I'm not worried [about the lack of open-play goals] Because when I look at the match, at the situations we have in open play and what the opponent has created in open play, I don't know if we can do much more than that,” said Arteta.
“Set-pieces are a consequence of what we do in open play and how we perform defensively. It is a phase that is part of that.
“I know you see this as set pieces and that as open play, and I see set pieces and open play all together, but I respect that a lot. I don't agree with it, but I respect it!
“We want to create more from every angle and also from set pieces, so we're always trying to evolve and get better.”
20 – Arsenal have scored 20 goals from set pieces (excluding pens) in the Premier League in 2024; their highest number in a calendar year in the league (also 20 in 2009). Perfected. pic.twitter.com/HT0rT3Az7M
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 8, 2024
Meanwhile, Everton did not play last weekend due to the postponed Merseyside derby, but ended a run of five without a win with their 4-0 thrashing of Wolves last time out.
It was also the first time they had scored since late October, and Jesper Lindstrom credits the team's mental strength for getting them through the difficult period.
“To be honest, we have a strong group,” he told the club's media outlets. “The team ethic is very strong.
“We've had another rough start this year, but I feel like we've regrouped and can continue from where we are today.”
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Arsenal – Martin Odegaard
Since returning from injury on November 10, Martin Odegaard has created the most chances of any player in the Premier League (17).
Seven of these were made for teammate Bukayo Saka, the most from player to player at the time.
Everton -Dwight McNeil
Only Dwight McNeil (three goals, three assists) has been involved in more Premier League goals for Everton this season than Ashley Young (one goal, three assists).
In addition, the Toffees midfielder has created 33 chances in the top flight this season, more than anyone else in his team.
Back on the road this weekend pic.twitter.com/alBmrTqOQ5
— Everton (@Everton) December 10, 2024
MATCH PREDICTION: ARSENAL WIN
After a run of four defeats in five Premier League games against Everton between 2020 and 2023 (W1), Arsenal have now won each of their last three games against the Toffees.
In fact, the Gunners' 102 wins against Everton are the most any side has ever beaten another in English top-flight history, while their 344 top-flight goals against the Toffees are also the most.
Arsenal have won 81% of their home Premier League games in 2024 (P16 W13 D2 L1), their best home win percentage in a year since winning 84% of their games in 2007 (16/19).
Meanwhile, Everton have won just one of their last 28 away Premier League games against Arsenal (D4 L23), recording a 1-0 victory in April 2021.
Sean Dyche's side have failed to score in each of their last three away games in the Premier League. They attempted 42 shots with an expected goal (xG) of 3.26 without success and are the only team without an away goals tally since early November. They last played four times in a row without a goal in October/November 2022.
OPTA CHANCE OF WINNING
Arsenal – 72.4%
Draw – 16.5%
Everton – 11.1%
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