Credit: Imago

Declan Carr

Fri 13 March 2026 12:10, UK

Paul Merson believes Everton will taste defeat at Arsenal due to one specific issue.

David Moyes’ side have won their last two matches, a 3-2 thriller at Newcastle and a comfortable 2-0 win over Burnley.

They head to the Emirates Stadium on 14 March looking to continue their charge towards a European place.

However, Mikel Arteta’s league leaders will be hoping to dent Everton’s hopes of qualifying for Europe, and to keep their title charge going.

What did Merson say about Arsenal vs Everton?

Merson believes that Everton have not produced a consistent display over 90 minutes when they have won matches.

He thinks that if the Hill Dickinson Stadium outfit have a 30-45 minute period where they are not the races, then the result will go in his former club’s favour.

Writing in his weekly Premier League predictions piece for Sportskeeda, he predicted a 2-1 Arsenal win, saying: “My only problem with Everton is that they haven’t produced a proper 90-minute display while winning games.

“They only play well in patches, if they fall off for even 30 or 45 minutes against Arsenal, it’s game over!”

Why Merson may regret his comments

Merson clearly did not match the Burnley game, the Blues were in complete control for the full game, having 14 shots, and the result never looked in doubt.

Moyes’ side completed 543 passes in that contest, which was their highest total in a league match this season, reflecting their dominance over the Clarets.

The Gunners are obviously a much more difficult opponent than Scott Parker’s relegation-threatened side, but the L4 outfit have it in their locker to come away with something.

• Everton sit ninth in the form table, with three wins from their last six
• They have two losses and one draw in that period
• They have scored nine and conceded seven in those games

While it cannot be said that they controlled the Newcastle clash, their ability to fight back and take the lead again after the Magpies had gotten back into the game twice could serve them well against Arteta’s side.

The Blues have turned a corner, and will hope to get a positive result against the potential champions-elect, and they will have every faith that they can do so.

Moyes should hang Merson’s words on the dressing room wall, and give his players even more motivation to cause an upset and ruin the Gunners’ title-chasing momentum.

It would be a result that would the Merseysiders firmly in contention for a European place, and with nine matches left to play until the end of the campaign, every one is crucial.