Everton vs Arsenal | EPL

Thomas Vermaelen is set to make his full debut at Everton on Saturday, however Arsène Wenger still has a number of injury concerns going into the opening match of the Premier League campaign.

The Belgian missed the latter end of pre-season with a hamstring problem but returned on Wednesday night by playing 45 minutes for Belgium.

That is the upside of the injury news. The downside is that Wenger could be without as many as six players for Saturday evening’s match. Tomas Rosicky (hamstring) and Samir Nasri (broken leg) were already sidelined before the manager spoke to Arsenal TV Online on Thursday afternoon. However, in that interview, the Frenchman ruled out Theo Walcott (back), Johan Djourou (knee) and Lukasz Fabianski (knee) from the trip to Goodison Park, while Abou Diaby (groin) is classed as a doubt.

“We have some problems,” admitted Wenger. “We have Theo Walcott (back), who is not available. Diaby has a little groin problem but he could be available.

“[Also] we have lost Johan Djourou and Lukasz Fabianksi because they had injuries. Lukasz had a cartilage surgery. He will be out for two months. Johan has a knee problem that will take some time to cure - one month.

“Thomas Vermaelen played 45 minutes for Belgium last night and came through OK so he will be available.”

Rosicky and Nasri collected their problems in pre-season. Both midfielders are working their way back but, even when they have recovered. they will still require rehabilitation.

“Tomas Rosicky is two weeks away,” said Wenger. “Samir Nasri [is out] three-and-a-half weeks now. But it will be six or seven weeks until he is available for training.”

I am excited to see this young defender play for Arsenal. We atleast have some height at the back now.

Keeping my fingers crossed!!!
We need a cleansheet plus a Win!!!

I'm oppotmistic for this game, Everton are a tough side, and we haven't improved upon last season, if any thing, the sales have weakend us, and the injuries will have an effect.

I think this game will be decided upon how well the defence perform and who Wenger fields in the attack.

Everton 0 - 4 Arsenal
During Half Time 0- 3

Denilson 26
Vermaelen 37
Gallas 41
Fabregas 48

one more goal by Fabregas in 70th minute

One more goal this is amazing.....
Eduardo 88th Minute

damn Saha scored in the extra time

Overall an awesome game....

Arsenal, predicted a rough ride in trying to hang on in the Premier League's top four, ran up a shattering 6-1 triumph away to shattered Everton at Goodison Park. The Gunners had led 3-0 at half-time.

Denilson (26 minutes), new defender Thomas Vermeulen (37) and William Gallas (41) struck in the first half to bring a sudden halt to the season-opening optimism of Everton's fans.

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas scored No4 three minutes into the second half then was allowed a free run at Everton defence to lash in No5 in the 70th. Andrei Arshavin shot against a post in the 89th minute and Eduardo, their Brazilian-born Croatia striker, tapped the loose ball home.

The ease with which the Gunners had sliced Everton apart in both midfield and defence was a major embarrassment not only for home manager David Moyes but also for his want-away central defender Joleon Lescott who is wanted - or, at least, had been wanted - by Manchester City.

Last season Everton had finished just behind Arsenal in fifth place and had been among the popular tips to overtake Arsene Wenger's youngsters this time. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was never seriously troubled until stoppage time at the end of the second half when Louis Saha snatched a single consolation goal.

Everton fans were fleeing the scene of the disaster long before the end while Arsenal's travelling supporters celebrated - and looked forward with new-found confidence to the outcome of Tuesday's Champions League qualifying visit to Glasgow against Celtic.

Oh well, that was a bit of a dull season opener. Wenger really needs to do something about the defence, that was really sloppy letting them score.

We'll have to do better next weekend, I'm expecting at least a 10-0 win...

hahaha....enjoyed every bit of the game except that goal we conceded, would have been thrilled to see a 6-0 scoreline.

Go Gunners !!

Will post my post match thoughts later

Great win for us in this season opener.

We were good as a unit.
Vermaelen had a dream debut by scoring a goal. He looks good in the air, something that we have lacked in the defence.
Sagna, was caught off position many times in this game, but everton did not capitalize on those mistakes.
Gallas, clichy looked there normal self.
Song & Denilson, looks to have improved with their passing ability. Song playing as a defensive shield was somewhat effective, however it remains to see what happens when we play a top 4 club.
Fabregas for me is the MoM for this game.

Arshavin, Vanp & bendtner all had a good game. Eduardo coming on as a sub & scoring was good for him to get his confidence back.

All in all a good result except for the goal we conceded, it would have been awesome if we had kept a clean sheet.
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Poll for man of the match added.