Mikel Arteta shares ‘Special’ Everton admission ahead of Arsenal showdown
Everton take on Arsenal at Goodison Park next, which will see former midfielder Mikel Arteta return to his old club.
Arteta became a cult hero at Everton during his playing days, before he left for Arsenal in 2011, and he since became manager of the North London side.
The Toffees will take on Arsenal at Goodison Park for the final time, but neither side have too much pressure on them, with the away side holding slim hope of the title.
The Gunners are comfortable in second place and preparing for their Champions League clash with Real Madrid, while Everton are well clear of the relegation zone, but it will be a special occasion for Arteta.
Arteta praises Moyes and Goodison Park ahead of Everton
Arteta spent several years as a Goodison Park hero, and this will now be the final time he returns before Everton move to Bramley-Moore Dock next season.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, Arteta admitted that the Everton stadium is a special one for him.
“It will be very special,” Arteta said of the upcoming clash.
“There’s a lot of history as well between the clubs, and I have my own personal story, which was a beautiful one, with the manager that has just come back now, and he’s doing extremely well.”
| Manager | Played | Wins | Losses | Goals | Conceded | Points |
| Mikel Arteta | 4 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 5 | 3 |
Arteta also heaped praise on his former boss David Moyes, who has enjoyed a successful return to Everton.
“I’m so happy for the club and for David because it’s never easy to come back there for the second time,” he added.
“In my opinion, he was the person who lifted that club to a different level, and now he’s on the journey to do it again once they move to a new stadium, so I think it’s a really nice story.”
Everton’s strong record against Arteta’s Arsenal at Goodison Park
Arteta has built a title-challenging side at Arsenal, but they have struggled at Goodison Park in the past, and Everton will hope to spoil their day again.
Arsenal have won just once away at Everton under Arteta, in a 1-0 victory last season, but the Toffees have typically frustrated the Gunners.
A 0-0 draw earlier this season saw Everton produce a defensive masterclass at the Emirates, while they also won their first three home games against Arteta’s team since he became manager in 2019.
Arteta did record a 6-0 victory away at West Ham in Moyes’s last season with the Hammers, but Everton will hope to maintain their defensive consistency at home to the Gunners.