Arsenal return to Premier League action against Everton on Saturday knowing that another victory is essential to maintain the pressure on leaders Manchester City.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta will have taken encouragement from Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw against Bayern Munich, but the focus must now shift towards securing three points at the Emirates Stadium.
The Gunners showed resilience in Germany, with Eberechi Eze opening the scoring before Declan Rice struck late to rescue a draw.
However, the result came at a cost after Bukayo Saka suffered a quadriceps injury that could complicate Arteta’s plans.
Arsenal already have several fitness concerns, including William Saliba and Christos Tzolis, making careful squad management increasingly important.
Nevertheless, the reigning champions cannot afford to allow their injury problems to disrupt their domestic momentum.
Last weekend’s narrow victory over Nottingham Forest kept Arsenal within three points of City, who have made a perfect start to the league campaign.
With City facing Aston Villa earlier on Saturday, Arsenal could find themselves six points behind before kick-off.
That possibility makes the Everton encounter particularly significant, especially with another difficult league assignment against Liverpool approaching.
Fortunately, Arsenal’s home form offers considerable encouragement.
The Gunners have won all three Premier League matches at the Emirates this season and conceded only twice across their last six home league victories.
Everton, meanwhile, arrive looking for a response after suffering their first league defeat of the campaign against Chelsea.
David Moyes has made his side difficult to beat, with four draws and just one defeat from their opening seven league matches.
The Toffees remain unbeaten away from home this season, although all three trips have ended level.
Their defensive organisation could frustrate Arsenal, particularly if the hosts struggle to find attacking fluency without Saka.
However, Everton’s limited attacking output and poor historical record at the Emirates suggest that Arteta’s side should have enough quality to prevail.
The Arsenal manager must balance the need for fresh legs with the importance of maintaining cohesion, particularly after Wednesday’s demanding European encounter.
Eze and Noni Madueke could prove crucial in stretching Everton’s defence, while Viktor Gyokeres offers another attacking option.
Arsenal have already demonstrated their ability to find solutions from the bench this season, and that flexibility could again make the difference.
Everton will be determined to respond, but Arsenal at their best should dictate proceedings.
A convincing home performance would reinforce their title credentials and ensure City remain firmly within reach.