Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted there is someone at his former club Everton who he still holds in such high regard.
The Spaniard does not have to wait too long before he returns to Merseyside, where he will make his first visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton return to action on Monday evening with an away trip against Manchester United.
A daunting run of festive fixtures lie ahead of David Moyes over the coming weeks, with league leaders Arsenal coming to town just before Christmas.
Everton fans weren’t pleased with the Arsenal fixture change, which will now see the game kick off at 8pm on a Saturday night.
The game will provide Arteta with an opportunity to catch up with someone who played a big part in his career on Merseyside.
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Mikel Arteta sends clear message to Everton manager David Moyes
Moyes is looking to replicate Arsenal’s set piece dominance shown under Arteta over recent months.
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It is something that Everton struggled with during their recent game against north London outfit Tottenham Hotspur at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Where will Everton finish this season?
Speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta has admitted it is actually Moyes who he feels he has learned a lot from during his time in England.
“David Moyes. He picked me up in a difficult moment in my career. Someone that I love and I learn and appreciate a lot what he did for me, a special person,” said the Arsenal manager.
Arteta has previously praised Moyes for what he has been able to do during his two stints on Merseyside as the manager of Everton.
It will be a big ask for the Blues to take something from a high-flying Arsenal side, but Everton have already demonstrated just how hard they are to beat at their new stadium.
Everton face a difficult run of festive fixtures
Ben Foster has shared his concerns about Everton’s league position prior to their victory over Fulham last time out.
The Toffees are going to be up against it over the coming month and they have to take into consideration that they will be without Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye due to the Africa Cup of Nations.
David Moyes on Everton’s European hopes
“I really hope I can earn the opportunity to get back into European football here at Everton.”
However, even with a fully fit and available squad, Everton would be facing a difficult test with their run of fixtures leading up to the New Year.
Everton have hopes of qualifying for Europe this season, but they could really see their ambitions take a hit before the turn of the year.
However, it would be an excellent early Christmas present for the Everton fans if they can cause an upset against Arteta’s Arsenal.