Everton welcomed Arsenal to Hill Dickinson Stadium today, December 20, 2025, in a Premier League clash with both teams having significant objectives. Arsenal aimed to secure a Christmas Day top-of-the-table position, while Everton sought to maintain their pursuit of European qualification.
Everton's recent form has been generally strong, but they suffered a 2-0 defeat against Chelsea in their last outing, which dropped them to ninth place in the league. Prior to that loss, they had won four and drawn one of their previous seven Premier League matches. Under David Moyes, Everton has adapted well to their new home, remaining unbeaten in their first five games there. However, Tottenham Hotspur and Newcastle United have since managed to secure victories at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Arsenal's form has been somewhat inconsistent, with three wins, two draws, and one loss in their last six league matches. In their most recent game, they secured a narrow 2-1 victory against Wolves with a late goal. Despite some shaky performances, Mikel Arteta's team has maintained a two-point lead at the top of the table. Arsenal has struggled away from home recently, with a three-game winless run in the Premier League.
In terms of team news, Everton faced several absences. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall was ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained against Chelsea. Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye were unavailable as they joined the Senegal squad for the Africa Cup of Nations. However, there was positive news regarding Jack Grealish's fitness, and Merlin Rohl was potentially set to return from injury. Jarrad Branthwaite and Seamus Coleman were also sidelined with hamstring issues. Arsenal were without Ben White, who suffered a hamstring injury against Wolves. Riccardo Calafiori returned from suspension, while Gabriel and Kai Havertz were still recovering from injuries.
Historically, Arsenal has dominated the fixture, with Everton winless in their last five Premier League encounters. Arsenal has 38 wins against Everton in the Premier League. Before their stadium switch, Everton had only managed one win in their seven visits to Goodison Park.
