Arsenal eye Everton scalp to banish Leverkusen blues and tighten title grip

Arsenal return to Premier League action on Saturday evening when they host Everton at the Emirates Stadium in a fixture that carries major importance for the title race.

Mikel Arteta’s side head into the match needing to rediscover their rhythm after a frustrating midweek draw in the Champions League.

Arsenal were held to a 1-1 result by Bayer Leverkusen in the first leg of their last-16 tie on Wednesday night.

The Gunners had to rely on a late penalty from Kai Havertz to avoid defeat after falling behind early in the second half.

Arsenal struggled to impose themselves for long periods of the match and produced a performance that lacked their usual attacking sharpness.

However, Havertz’s late equaliser ensured that Arsenal remain favourites to progress when the second leg takes place at the Emirates next week.

Before that decisive European clash, Arteta’s team must turn their attention back to domestic duties and the pursuit of the Premier League title.

Arsenal currently sit at the top of the table and are looking to maintain their advantage in the closing stages of the season.

Recent results have kept them in control of the race, although several of their victories have come through narrow margins rather than dominant displays.

The Gunners have still been formidable at home, where they have lost just once in the league this season.

They have also scored at least two goals in eight of their last nine Premier League matches at the Emirates.

Arsenal will therefore expect another strong performance in north London as they attempt to return to winning ways.

However, the visit of Everton represents a potentially awkward challenge at a critical moment in the campaign.

David Moyes’s side arrive in good form after securing a 2-0 victory over Burnley in their most recent Premier League outing.

Goals from James Tarkowski and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sealed that win and boosted Everton’s hopes of pushing for European qualification.

The Toffees have also been particularly effective away from home this season.

Only Arsenal and Chelsea have collected more away points than Everton during the current campaign.

That record highlights the challenge Arteta’s side may face against an Everton team capable of competing strongly on the road.

Arsenal did edge the reverse fixture earlier in the season, winning 1-0 on Merseyside.

The Gunners are also unbeaten in their last six Premier League meetings with Everton.

Nevertheless, Moyes will see the trip to the Emirates as an opportunity to test the league leaders and potentially take advantage of any distraction caused by Arsenal’s upcoming Champions League second leg.

For Arsenal, securing three points would not only maintain momentum in the title race but also provide the ideal response after their underwhelming display in Germany.

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