3 talking points ahead of Everton vs Arsenal

Arsenal travel to face Everton on Saturday afternoon for their last ever visit to Goodison Park.

The Gunners defeated London rivals Fulham 2-1 in their last outing. Mikel Merino continued his fine form as the side's makeshift striker when he beat Bernd Leno with a deflected effort in the first half.

Back from injury and off the bench, Bukayo Saka added a second after the break with a header at the far post. Rodrigo Muniz pulled one back for the Cottagers in stoppage time, but Arsenal saw it out to take the three points.

As Arsenal look to make it three wins on the bounce in the Premier League, there are three key talking points ahead of their trip to Everton.

1. Life without Gabriel begins

Arsenal will be forced to line up without key defender Gabriel Magalhaes at Goodison Park after he was ruled out for the remainder of the season with a hamstring injury. The Brazilian was withdrawn after just 15 minutes against Fulham before the club confirmed their painful news on Thursday.

The Gunners do have options to call on with Jakub Kiwior likely to step in for his teammate but there is no denying the absence of Gabriel will be very much felt. The defender has been solid all season and the lack of his presence at the back could be damaging to the team.

Mikel Arteta and his side must not dwell on it however. It is a fact that Gabriel will miss the rest of the season and life without him starts against Everton on Saturday. Arsenal can manage life without their star defender, so long as they approach it correctly and they must do so, starting at Goodison.

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