Pain in the Arsenal
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Everton vs Arsenal: 3 key battles to decide Goodison showdown

By Kenneth Daly

Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes runs with the ball past Everton's English striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (back) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England, on February 4, 2023. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Arsenal's Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes runs with the ball past Everton's English striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (back) during the English Premier League football match between Everton and Arsenal at Goodison Park in Liverpool, north-west England, on February 4, 2023. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images) /
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It’s been a while since Jesus duelled the Everton defender. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)
It’s been a while since Jesus duelled the Everton defender. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images) /

2. Gabriel Jesus vs James Tarkowski

Although there are ‘Gabby’ battles at either end of the pitch, it appears James Tarkowski will get the worst deal.

Jesus missed our Everton trip back in February and has only featured in short cameos this season, both domestically and for Brazil. But the wily forward is now, thankfully, close to full fitness again and boasts a very particular set of skills that Mikel Arteta cannot ignore.

His exceptional pressing, technical security and linkup play are all well-documented and will help Arsenal find holes in the home side’s low block, while good upper-body strength should serve him well in holding off challenges to create goal-scoring opportunities.

Nevertheless, a stern test beckons as Tarkowski is accustomed to leading a Sean Dyche backline and ranks among the very best in Europe for making blocks (99th percentile over the past year- FBref).

The former Burnley man also makes plenty of clearances and holds a significant aerial advantage over Jesus – something that will give him the upper hand if the Toffees can force us into a long-ball game.

It would be somewhat harsh to drop Eddie Nketiah, but Jesus is difficult to leave out when available.

Continued on the next slide…

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