Mikel Arteta returns to familiar territory this weekend, but nostalgia must give way to necessity as Arsenal aim to stay on course in the Premier League title race.
Goodison Park holds deep personal significance for the Arsenal manager. It was there, under David Moyes, that he first made his name in English football, becoming a key figure in an Everton side that regularly punched above its weight.
“In my opinion, he was the person who lifted that club to a different level,” Arteta said on Friday. “It will be very special.”
But there is no room for sentiment in a season of fine margins. Arsenal’s Champions League quarter-final first leg against Real Madrid looms on Tuesday — at the Emirates Stadium — but Arteta knows his side cannot afford to look beyond a tricky domestic test on Saturday.
Everton, once again under Moyes, are showing signs of stability after a turbulent start to the campaign. Their nine-match unbeaten run was only recently ended by a narrow Merseyside derby defeat, and while they still sit near the bottom half, the Toffees have become difficult to beat at home. They have lost just two of their last eight at Goodison in all competitions.
“Every team that goes there struggles,” Arteta warned. “We’re going to have to be really strong. The best way to prepare for Real Madrid is to win and play really well tomorrow.”
Arsenal’s record on Merseyside in recent years has been patchy. Last season’s 1-0 win at Goodison was a rare breakthrough after five straight winless visits to the blue half of the city.
The Gunners are 12 points behind second-placed Liverpool with only eight league games remaining, making them clear outsiders in the title race. A perfect finish may still not be enough — but any further dropped points would end even the faintest hopes.
Arteta’s task has been complicated by injuries. Gabriel is the latest key name ruled out, joining the likes of Calafiori and Tomiyasu. Bukayo Saka’s return to action in midweek was a major boost, and the winger is expected to feature again. But with squad depth being tested, Arteta must balance rotation with the need to maintain momentum.
Still, there is no suggestion that Arsenal are holding anything back for Tuesday night. “The biggest game for us is Everton,” Arteta insisted. “You cannot allow yourself to think ahead.”
That mindset may prove crucial. The title race is unforgiving, and Arsenal know that any slip-up could be costly. For Arteta, this weekend offers a chance to reflect on his roots — but there is no space for looking back when the stakes are this high.
