Mark Lawrenson predicts Gunners against Everton. Arsenal’s matchup with Everton on February 4 at Goodison Park is expected to be challenging, according to Liverpool legend Mark Lawrenson. With a five-point advantage over Manchester City in second place, the Gunners are dominating at the top of the standings. For Mikel Arteta’s side, players like Bukayo Saka, Gabriel Martinelli, and Martin Odegaard are flourishing.
The Toffees, however, are having the exact opposite of a successful season, languishing at the bottom of the standings. They are two points away from safety in 19th place. Sean Dyche, a former Burnley manager, has recently taken over as Frank Lampard’s replacement at the Merseyside club.
During his tenure with the Clarets, the English coach was known for orchestrating a victory over the relegation threat. Despite the disparity in the two teams’ performances this season, Lawrenson believes Arsenal will have a tough opponent in Everton.
He does, however, anticipate that Arteta’s men will prevail, stating to Paddy Power: “Goodison will be noisy because that’s how Everton supporters are. I believe they now understand—and I detest the expression—that for them, every game is a cup final. They’ll move things along quickly, and Dominic Calvert-Lewin, if he’s healthy, will be crucial for both Sean Dyche and them. With Dyche in charge, they stand a considerably greater chance of surviving. Although I believe Arsenal will have a difficult day, I believe they will win just barely. Arsenal 0–1 Everton.”
Since losing 3-1 to Manchester United on September 4 the Gunners have gone undefeated in the league. They have since gone on a spectacular run that has coincided with their bid to win the Premier League for the first time since 2004. They will be cautious, though, in case Dyche’s arrival at Everton on Saturday results in a new manager bounce.
The season’s third Manager of the Month honour went to Mikel Arteta. For the third time this year, Arteta has been crowned Premier League Manager of the Month. The prize had already been accepted by the Spanish coach in August and November/December.
The Arsenal manager guided his team to victories over Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, two teams vying for a top-four spot. He was also successful in holding Newcastle United to a draw.
In an outstanding performance, his team scored seven points against three of the top six teams. Arteta now has five Premier League Manager of the Month honours, joining Eddie Howe, Carlo Ancelotti, Kevin Keegan, and Claudio Ranieri.
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