The Premier League table makes for stark reading ahead of Saturday’s trip to north London. Arsenal sit top with 67 points, chasing their first title in over two decades. Everton occupy eighth with 43 points, looking up rather than down for the first time in years. On paper, this is a mismatch. On the pitch, David Moyes’ side have form that suggests otherwise.
When the 62-year-old returned to Merseyside 14 months ago, Everton sat one point above the relegation zone. They travel to the Emirates this weekend, five points off European qualification, unbeaten away from home since mid-December with four wins in their past five road trips. Only Arsenal have won more matches away from home since Moyes’ comeback.
Why Arsenal should be wary
Former Everton midfielder Leon Osman believes the dynamics have shifted. “I think in the past, you go there and you’re a little bit worried and hope you might be able to get a result,” he told BBC Sport. “This year it’s a bit different. I think it’s Arsenal that’ll be more worried. I think they will be nervous going to this game knowing that they have to keep on winning”.
The statistics back up Osman’s confidence. Everton have already won at Old Trafford in November despite playing most of that game with ten men. They ended Aston Villa’s 11-game winning home run in January. Most recently, they triumphed at St James’ Park against a Newcastle side that pushed Barcelona close in midweek.
Moyes’ away blueprint is clear. Everton averages the lowest possession of any Premier League side on their travels (39.3%), prioritising defensive shape and hitting teams on the counter. Only Arsenal have conceded fewer goals and kept more clean sheets away from home. Crucially for this fixture, the Toffees are the only top-flight side yet to concede from a set-piece on the road this season. Arsenal have scored 21 of their 59 league goals from corners or free-kicks.
The Garner factor and European dreams
James Garner has emerged as the heartbeat of this side. Comfortable in central midfield after covering both full-back positions earlier in the campaign, he tops Everton’s metrics for touches, tackles, chances created and expected assists . Osman believes he belongs in the conversation with Declan Rice.
“Garner is a throwback, and a very pleasant one, to an all-round midfielder,” Osman said. “He wants to defend, wants to be competitive, wants to get from box to box, wants to create goals. I am such an admirer of his. He sets the tone for Everton in and out of possession. He’s one of the first names, if not the first name on David Moyes’ team sheet”.
European football at Hill Dickinson Stadium next season is no longer a distant fantasy. The Toffees are well-positioned in a congested top-half battle, and their away form has propelled the climb. A result at the Emirates would not only damage Arsenal’s title hopes but also strengthen the belief that this squad can achieve something special.
Moyes has won at the Emirates before, with West Ham in 2023. Repeating that feat would represent another seismic result in a season increasingly defined by them. Arsenal are the favourites but as Everton have proven time and again on their travels, that counts for very little.
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