Back to the Everton Newsfeed

Mikel Arteta was the darling of Everton fans as the Spanish midfielder lifted them to new heights... but now his old club can stick the boot in and nudge Arsenal closer to the Premier League relegation zone as he marks 12 tumultuous months in charge

A lot has unfolded since Mikel Arteta last went to Goodison Park, almost exactly 12 months ago.

Back then the Spaniard, appointed as Arsenal's new manager the day before, sat in the director's box alongside technical director Edu as Everton and his new club played out a goalless draw.

It was a stalemate that showed just how much Arteta would have to change to get Arsenal back on track. They barely troubled Jordan Pickford all afternoon, playing with a lack of cohesion and confidence that Everton should have exploited a little better.

Mikel Arteta (right) sits with Edu to watch Arsenal play Everton at Goodison Park last December, the day after the Spaniard was confirmed as the Gunners' new manager
A year on and it's tempting to conclude that Arsenal's progress under Arteta has been minimal
The optimism generated by Arsenal's FA Cup success in August has long since evaporated
Everton would love little more than to push Arteta and Arsenal closer to the relegation zone

When Arteta returns to Goodison, the ground where he played in Everton colours for six years, this Saturday teatime, it's tempting to conclude that Arsenal haven't moved on a great deal since last time.