Mikel Arteta backs Arsenal 'home power' to defeat Everton

Arsenal have lost just once at home in all competitions this season, and with five of their next seven Premier League matches scheduled to be played in north London, Arteta said the team must make the most of the advantage.

"I think at some stage we had four away from home in a row, some very difficult games as well," Arteta said. "But that's the calendar, that's the beauty of it as well.

"Obviously at home we have been very, very strong and using that in the right way can be the deciding factor."

Arsenal's recent schedule had been demanding, with 11 of their previous 17 matches played away from home across competitions. The return to the Emirates therefore came at a crucial moment in the title race.

Everton, however, travelled to London with an impressive away record. The side managed by David Moyes had collected more away points than most teams in the league since the start of 2025, sitting just behind Arsenal in that ranking.

Arteta spoke warmly about Moyes, a manager he played under for six years during his time at Everton.

"It's just incredible," Arteta said when discussing Moyes' longevity. "That's why he's one of the greatest managers the Premier League has ever had.

"To maintain that level and consistency in many different contexts and clubs is so difficult. You need very strong values, an incredible work ethic and so much passion for the game."

Arteta also reflected on the personal impact Moyes had on his career.

"He changed my career basically after my decision to go back to Spain and then he brought me to Everton. He really changed me as a player and we shared a lot of incredible moments."

Meanwhile, Arteta also provided a fitness update ahead of Saturday's clash.

Captain Martin Odegaard and forward Leandro Trossard both missed the midweek 1â-1 draw with Bayer Leverkusen in Germany, but Arteta said a decision on their involvement would be made closer to kick-off.

"We'll see," he said. "We will have to wait and speak to the doctors on whether they are involved or not."

With Arsenal also preparing for a busy spell that includes the Carabao Cup final and European fixtures, Arteta admitted squad rotation remained necessary.

"We come from five games in very short periods of time again," he explained. "You just have to go game by game, understanding who can play a certain amount of minutes."

He added that communication with national team managers would be important with the international break approaching.

"We have really good communication with most of them," Arteta said. "They speak with the players as well about what they expect, and together we try to make the right decisions."

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