Everton suffered a narrow 1-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday evening.
David Moyes’ side competed with the Premier League leaders, but ultimately fell short due to a lack of firepower.
Jordan Pickford said Everton just didn’t create enough chances, and Moyes echoed that same sentiment in his post-match interview.
One of the other talking points was former midfielder Mikel Arteta returning and visiting the new Hill Dickinson Stadium for the first time.
Arteta was left amazed by Everton’s new ground and labelled it ‘amazing, and was also spotted doing something very classy at the full-time whistle.
Arsena boss Mikel Arteta.
Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images
Mikel Arteta spotted signing Everton shirts
Arteta is perhaps one of the best midfielders Everton have had this century, as he made over 200 appearances, netting 35 goals whilst laying on as many assists.
Clubs Games Goals Assists
Everton 209 35 35
Arsenal 150 16 8
Rangers 65 14 3
PSG 53 5 5
Mikel Arteta’s playing career
The Spaniard is now considered one of the best managers in the Premier League with Arsenal and remains popular among Toffees supporters.
After the game on Saturday, Arteta was actually spotted signing shirts for the Evertonians and taking time to chat with them.
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Interestingly, Arteta was actually in talks to join Everton in 2019 before he opted to replace Unai Emery at the North Londoners.
Mikel Arteta could become Everton manager one day
It wouldn’t at all be surprising if one day, Arteta was in the home dugout at the Hill Dickinson Stadium managing Everton.
Moyes is, of course, going to remain in post for the foreseeable future, but perhaps if he can guide them into Europe, Arteta would consider joining the Toffees post his Arsenal career.
Clearly the Friedkin Group have big ambitions for Everton and hope to establish them as consistent European challengers.
They will also be able to attract a higher calibre of player and manager as their finances improve over time in the new stadium.
Just today, it was announced that the Toffees have a new multi-year partnership with workwear brand Strauss that could earn them an extra seven figures every year.
So, the future is certainly bright on Merseyside.
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