Dyche facing uphill task at Emirates
Sean Dyche may be struggling to find reasons for optimism before his Everton side travel to Arsenal. The Toffees used to be tricky opponents for Mikel Arteta, earning wins under Carlo Ancelotti and Rafael Benítez. Dyche enjoyed a 1-0 win at Goodison in his first meeting with Arsenal as Everton manager, but has lost their three encounters since. Everton’s only win on the road this season came at Ipswich in October – also the last time they scored away from home – while Arteta’s side are on a 14-game unbeaten run at the Emirates. Dyche can be forgiven for having one eye on the January transfer window, saying on Thursday that the Friedkin Group’s proposed takeover “is looking very possible … but, until it’s done, it’s not done.” Whatever the result on Saturday, we can expect set-piece goals. Arsenal have scored a league-high 23 goals from corners since the start of last season, while 57% of Everton’s goals this term have come from set pieces.
