Everton will do well to keep Gabriel Jesus quiet this weekend, because he’s often been a thorn in the Toffees’ side.
David Moyes take his side to the Emirates Stadium this Saturday, and a stern test awaits.
While Everton have been great on the road under Moyes since he came back to the club, the Toffees have won just one of their last 29 away games against the Gunners.
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Everton vs Arsenal stat.
Mikel Arteta’s side are undoubtedly very strong. And they’re also extremely determined.
Their time-wasting antics and dark arts have come into the focus ahead of the game, so Everton need to try and avoid falling behind in the game.
And one man who may need close attention paying to him is Gabriel Jesus.
Gabriel Jesus loves playing vs Everton
Gabriel Jesus playing for Arsenal.
Photo by Ulrik Pedersen/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The likelihood is that Viktor Gyokeres alone up top will start for Arsenal on Saturday.
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The Swedish striker has started to look better of late for Arsenal, and despite starting against Bayer Leverkusen in the Champions League, he’ll likely keep his place.
So that may mean Everton need to watch out for Jesus coming off the bench.
The Brazilian enjoys playing against the Toffees, having scored eight goals against them in his career so far.
Gabriel Jesus vs Everton
Appearances – 14
Wins – 12
Draws – 2
Losses – 0
Goals – 8
Assists – 1
This is his joint-most against any one opponent (he also has eight vs Watford).
However, the slight positive for Everton is that all of those goals came while he was playing for Manchester City.
But he’s not had many opportunities to face Arsenal since signing for them, appearing just four times for a total of 82 minutes.
This season, Jesus has chipped in with a combined seven goals and assists in 20 appearances, having spent a lot of time out injured.
So the threat is there.
Arsenal vs Everton will be a physical battle
It is unlikely that this fixture will be serving up beautiful football.
Arguably, both Arsenal and Everton are more pragmatic than they are free-flowing. But that’s not to say that neither side have their moments.
There will be lots of players who are 6ft or taller playing on Saturday, and it’ll be no surprise if the ball is in the air a lot.
David Moyes managing Everton.
Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP via Getty Images
Arsenal’s set-piece threat is well documented.
But Everton also carry a big threat, and must try to apply the same kind of pressure as their opponents when the chances come.
What is absolutely paramount is to keep Arsenal at bay. Simply because number one, we know Arsenal then make it very difficult for teams to build rhythm, and secondly Everton are not the most creative outfit.
It arguably suits the Toffees much more to take the lead and then defend it, rather than chase a contest
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