Everton boss David Moyes believes the Blues have “made big progress” this season as they prepare to welcome Premier League leaders Arsenal tomorrow (December 20).
Despite registering more final-third entries, completing more passes in the attacking third, and winning more duels, Everton head into this one off the back of a 2–0 defeat at Stamford Bridge against Enzo Maresca’s Chelsea.
The Toffees are on a run of decent form with four wins and two losses in their last six games.
Moyes said: “I think we’ve made big progress, progress that has come steadily.
“When you’ve come from so far away, you can’t expect things to go smoothly.
“Things are better, we’ve had better performances and we want to keep that positive feeling.
“I realise that we’re in good form, but I’m aware that if we lose four out of five, we can quickly find ourselves at the bottom of the table.”
Two key players Idrissa Gueye and Iliman Ndiaye have departed Merseyside to link up with the Senegal squad ahead of AFCON in Morocco.
And concerns don’t stop there with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall limping off against his former club in Everton’s last outing.
Moyes said: “Kiernan’s doing well but will not be available for the game.
“However, Merlin Röhl has been training and hopefully he’ll be back for the game this Saturday.”
Following the game at Stamford Bridge, post-match whispers highlighted a potential issue with Jack Grealish.
But these were cancelled out by the Everton boss, who has confirmed that Grealish is “okay and will be ready to play”.
When asked about difficulties to fill the bench and options becoming more limited, Moyes replied: “In some ways it makes it easier because there’s less selection.
“We can’t afford many dropouts, so hopefully our players will be back in January.”
Hopes are high in bringing back Harrison Armstrong, on loan at Preston North End.
James Garner will be making his 200th appearance in English football, half of which are for Everton, and has been a key player so far this season.
Moyes said: “He’s a big role in what we’re doing.
“He’s been good against the top players, has shown no problem playing right back and can play as a number 6 or 8.
“He gives us versatility and I think he has improved massively. We always want the midfield to score more goals, hopefully he can start getting some more.”
Arsenal have taken six points from nine in the last three outings and will be without defenders Cristhian Mosquera, Riccardo Calafiori, Ben White and Gabriel.
Martin Zubimendi, who sat out Arsenal’s open training session earlier this week, is also a doubt.
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Gabriel Jesus is fully fit, having played a key role in their stoppage-time winner against Wolves in their last outing.
Moyes had nothing but kind words for Arsenal and Arteta: “They’re a good side, probably the best side in the country.
“Come the end of the season, we’ll see if that’s proof or not.
“He (Arteta) was a great signing. He was part of one of my best teams. He’s a good lad and he’s doing amazing.”
The Toffees will be able to count on the 1878s – the fan organisation behind the displays – who are planning the first big display of the season at their new ground.
Moyes said: “It’s a great thing what they’re doing at the new stadium, we want the stadium to be noisy throughout, not just at the beginning and end of games.”
