Mikel Arteta is making another return to Merseyside on Saturday as he takes his title-chasing Arsenal to Everton.
It has been a number of years since Arteta played for Everton, but he is a player that certainly captured the support of the fans at Goodison Park.
David Moyes faces another difficult challenge on the back of last weekend’s defeat against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Saturday marks the final game of 2025 at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, where Everton have fared well over the opening months of its history.
Arteta thinks it will be strange going to the Hill Dickinson Stadium for the very first time since the Blues left Goodison Park behind in L4.
Heading into the game, Everton will be without Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall through injury, but Arteta thinks there is someone else at the club who is pure class.
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Mikel Arteta sings the praises of Everton’s David Moyes
Paul Merson does not expect Everton to beat Arsenal on Saturday amid some of their big-name absences.
It is undoubtedly going to be the toughest test yet for the Blues since the new stadium was opened over the summer.
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And speaking to Sky Sports, Arteta has waxed lyrical about the Everton manager as he shared just how much he learned from Moyes.
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Everton manager David Moyes following the loss to Chelsea.
Credit: Getty Images/Richard Heathcote.
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“He is elite and I had him and he’s elite because he’s done it in different context and circumstances,” said the Arsenal boss.
“And what I learned about David first of all is the passion and respect that you need for the game and then integrity at any level under any circumstances is one of the most fascinating men that I met in in world football.
“And he’s shown that again when he’s done an incredible job for Everton for so many years and achieved that when he had his struggles whether he’s in this country or somewhere else. To do it over 1000 games is incredible.”
Arteta has sung Everton’s praises over the years despite managing another Premier League side.
The Spaniard proved a quality addition for the Blues back in the day and many will appreciate his clear admiration for the Merseyside outfit even to this day.
David Moyes issues hilarious Arteta outburst
Arsenal will be without Kai Havertz for their trip to the Hill Dickinson on Saturday, but they come into the game in fine form.
The Gunners have come close to winning the title in recent seasons, but they can now secure top spot at Christmas with a win over Arteta’s former side.
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Everton's injury report going into the game against Arsenal.
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As kind as Arteta was about Moyes, the Scot took his opportunity during Friday’s press conference to take aim at the Arsenal boss.
“He was a wee bit of a moaner at times, Mikel,” Moyes joked.
“And that sometimes is a good sign as well. He wanted things to be done right, wanted it to be done good, wanted the team to play better.
“But he was a good player for us (Everton). Great captain, great player. Great signing, really, at that time.”
Everton want their supporters in full voice against Arsenal with a stunning tifo display set to build the atmosphere for what could be a night to remember on Merseyside.
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