Arsenal's lack of open-play goals in Premier League not a worry to Arteta

Mikel Arteta says he is not worried about Arsenal's lack of open-play goals as they prepare to welcome Everton to the Emirates in the Premier League.

The Gunners, who could go second with a win on Saturday, are currently on a six-match unbeaten run in all competitions, only dropping points in a 1-1 draw in the top-flight against Fulham last Sunday.

Since the start of last season, Arsenal have scored more goals via corners than any other side (23), doing so in each of their last three Premier League games (four goals).

They proved they can still score from open play in their 3-0 win over Monaco in the Champions League on Wednesday, and Arteta is confident they can do so in the Premier League too, given the positions they get into.

"No, I don't worry [about the lack of open-play goals] because when I watch the game, the situations we have in open play and what the opposition has created in open play, I don't know if we can do much more than that," Arteta said.

"Set-pieces are a consequence of what we do in open play and how we do defensively. It's a phase that is part of that.

"I know that you see this as set-pieces and that as open play, and I see set-pieces and open play all together, but I respect that a lot. I don't agree, but I respect it!

"We want to create more from every angle and from set-pieces as well, so always trying to evolve and be better."

20 - Arsenal have scored 20 goals from set pieces (excluding pens) in the Premier League in 2024; their joint-most in a calendar year in the competition (also 20 in 2009). Perfected. pic.twitter.com/HT0rT3Az7M

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 8, 2024

Meanwhile, Everton did not play last weekend due to the postponed Merseyside derby but ended a run of five without a win with their 4-0 thrashing of Wolves last time out.

It was also the first time they had scored since late October, and Jesper Lindstrom credits the team’s mental strength for getting them through the tough period.

"We have a strong group, honestly," he told the club's media channels. "The team ethic is really strong.

"We had a tough start again this year, but I feel like we've regrouped, and we can push on from where we are."

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Arsenal – Martin Odegaard

Since returning from injury on November 10, Martin Odegaard has created the most chances of any player in the Premier League (17).

Seven of those were created for team-mate Bukayo Saka, the most from one player to another in that time.

Everton – Dwight McNeil

Only Dwight McNeil (three goals, three assists) has been involved in more Premier League goals for Everton this season than Ashley Young (one goal, three assists).

Along with that, the Toffees' midfielder has created 33 chances in the top-flight this term, more than anyone else in his team.

Back on the road this weekend pic.twitter.com/alBmrTqOQ5

— Everton (@Everton) December 10, 2024

MATCH PREDICTION: ARSENAL WIN

After a run of four defeats in five Premier League games against Everton between 2020 and 2023 (W1), Arsenal have now won each of their last three against the Toffees.

In fact, the Gunners' 102 wins against Everton is the most any side has beaten another in English top-flight history, while their 344 top-flight goals against the Toffees is also the most.

Arsenal have won 81% of their home Premier League matches in 2024 (P16 W13 D2 L1), their best home win percentage in a year since winning 84% of their games in 2007 (16/19).

Meanwhile, Everton have won just one of their last 28 Premier League away games against Arsenal (D4 L23), picking up a 1-0 victory in April 2021.

Sean Dyche's side have failed to score in each of their last three away Premier League matches, attempting 42 shots with an expected goals (xG) of 3.26 without success and are the only side without an away goal since the start of November. They last went four in a row without a goal across October/November 2022.

OPTA WIN PROBABILITY

Arsenal – 72.4%

Draw – 16.5%

Everton – 11.1%