Arsenal Vs Everton: 5 key players to watch

GENK, BELGIUM – JULY 22: Jordan Pickford celebrates Everton’s first goal during the Pre-Season Friendly between KRC Genk and Everton at Cristal Arena on July 22, 2017 in Genk, Belgium (Photo by Andy Astfalck/Getty Images)

4. Jordan Pickford

Arsenal have a tendency of facing goalkeepers who are in top form. I do not know why. I do not know how. But opposing keepers often seem to up their game against the Gunners, moulding into some Stretch Armstrong-type hero, saving everything that comes their way. Remember David de Gea?

And, in very much the same vein, it would not be surprising to see Jordan Pickford take on that same superhero status on Saturday. He certainly has the talent for it. Of keepers who have played 20 or more league games this season, Pickford has made the fifth-most saves-per-game, at 3.2. Additionally, he has made the most saves-per-game from shots within the six-yard box, at 0.3, portraying his outstanding reflexes, producing several astonishing reactionary saves throughout the year.

Furthermore, in the reverse fixture earlier in the year, a game that Arsenal dismantled Everton to the tune of a 5-2 scoreline, Pickford made an incredible nine saves. It is not inconceivable that he could have a similar performance at the Emirates. If Everton are to sneak a draw or even a win, with Arsenal’s attacking firepower, you imagine that he would have to.