Afternoon all! Sports Mole's Premier League coverage continues from Goodison Park as Everton welcome Arsenal. The Toffees will be hopeful of breaking into the top four this season, but Arsenal have the Premier League title firmly in their sights. Right, the team news for this fascinating contest is expected to filter through in the next five minutes or so. Will there be any major surprises?

TEAMS:

EVERTON: Howard; Coleman, Jagielka, Distin, Baines; Barry, McCarthy; Mirallas, Naismith, Pienaar; Lukaku

ARSENAL: Szczesny; Debuchy, Mertesacker, Chambers, Monreal; Flamini, Wilshere; Oxlade-Chamberlain, Ramsey, Ozil; Sanchez

TEAM NEWS! Seamus Coleman returns to the Everton side this weekend following injury, while Steven Pienaar is also in the XI. As expected, record signing Romelu Lukaku will lead their line. Arsenal, meanwhile, welcome back World Cup winners Per Mertesacker and Mesut Ozil. Mathieu Flamini also starts in place of Mikel Arteta, while Alexis Sanchez will seemingly start as the lone striker.

Everton won this fixture 3-0 on April 6 last season, with that particular win handing them a slight hope of overcoming the Gunners in the race for fourth. Eventually Arsenal held off the challenge to secure their spot in the top four, but Roberto Martinez's side will be reminding his side of what helped them overcome the London outfit in that particular match. He will want a similar performance from his team.

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Incredibly, that win in April was Everton's only success in their last 15 league and cup matches against Arsenal. That said, Arsenal have failed to win their last four Premier League games against Everton, drawing three times and suffering one defeat. The Gunners did beat Everton 4-1 in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup last season, however, a competition that they went on to win - beating Hull City in the final.

Arsenal's performances against the so-called smaller teams have not been called into question in recent seasons, but the defeat at Everton in April meant that the Gunners lost all four of their away games against last season's top five. Quite incredibly, meanwhile, those four defeats accounted for 20 of the 41 goals that Arsene Wenger's side conceded in the whole season.

Everton enter the match off the back of a 2-2 draw against Leicester City last weekend. It is a match that Martinez will feel that his side deserved to win, but Chris Wood struck four minutes from time to secure a point for the home side. If the Toffees are to seriously challenge for the top four this season then they will need to pick up results against the teams that are expected to finish around them.

Everton's last Premier League match at Goodison Park entered in defeat, however, with Manchester City winning 3-2 at the back end of last season. Should Arsenal win this afternoon then it would be the first time that the Merseyside outfit have lost back-to-back league games on their own patch since October 2011.

Defending has been a problem for Everton in recent games, with Martinez's side conceding at least twice in three of their last four Premier League matches. That said, they have had no problems down the other end – scoring at least two goals in their previous six home league matches.

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Pre-season is only pre-season of course, but some Everton supporters were worried by the results in the build-up to the new campaign. The Toffees started their preparations with a 2-2 draw against Football League side Tranmere Rovers on July 22, before losing 1-0 against Leicester City. A 1-1 draw with Porto followed, but they then lost back-to-back matches against Celta Vigo and Paderborn.

Granted pre-season has no real relevance to competitive football, just ask Manchester United and Louis van Gaal, but Everton will want to get a win on the board, especially with Chelsea to come next weekend. It is some run of fixtures for the Toffees, who also travel to Liverpool next month. In their fixt six matches, they would have played three of last season's top four.

Arsenal, meanwhile, opened their 2014-15 Premier League campaign with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace at the Emirates last weekend. The Gunners trailed to a first-half header from Brede Hangeland, but responded through Laurent Koscielny and then Aaron Ramsey late on to claim all the points.

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The Gunners have now won six successive Premier League games since losing to Everton in April and a seventh straight win would represent their best league run since 2012. There is no question that three points at Goodison Park would send out a strong message to their rivals, even at this early stage.

Arsenal were in Champions League action in the week, picking up a goalless draw with Besiktas in the first leg of their playoff affair. The second leg takes place on Wednesday and Arsene Wenger might have one eye on that match. Travelling to Turkey was hardly the ideal preparation for a trip to Goodison Park.

In terms of looking ahead, following the Besiktas match on Wednesday, Arsenal are next in Premier League action away to Leicester City at the end of the month. They then welcome Manchester City to the Emirates after the international break, before travelling to Aston Villa on September 20.

Arsenal have already faced Manchester City in recent weeks, however, beating the Premier League champions 3-0 in the Community Shield on August 10. That trophy followed on from the club's FA Cup win last season and Wenger will be hopeful of delivering more silverware this term.

Arsenal have won 11 of their 22 clashes with Everton at Goodison Park - the Toffees have managed just the 4 victories pic.twitter.com/66VpFTIamv — Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 23, 2014

The Premier League trophy is the one that Wenger wants and the Gunners are expected to seriously challenge this season. They finished fourth last season, eventually finishing seven points behind winners Manchester City, but they led the table for long spells of the campaign.

PREDICTION: Goodison Park is always a difficult ground for travelling teams and Arsenal must be careful not to become overpowered in the middle of the park. I can see both sides having joy in the final third, but am going to somewhat sit on the fence and back a 1-1 draw in this Premier League clash.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the first period. Following the completion of the pre-match handshakes and exchanging of club flags, we will be ready to get the clash underway.

It must be said that there is a wonderful atmosphere inside the stadium this early evening. Can Arsenal return to London with something to show from their efforts? Everton get the action underway on Merseyside.

As expected, there is a fast tempo in the opening couple of minutes, with neither side having too much time in the middle of the park. The early possession belongs to Everton, with Distin and Baines exchanging passes.

Everton force the issue with a couple of early set pieces, but Arsenal deal with the danger. You just get the feeling that the first goal - if there indeed is one - will be crucial in this type of match. Sanchez is indeed lining up as the lone forward for Arsenal this evening, with Ozil in close proximity.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the opening six minutes, but Everton have been in control of the possession. The pitch is in perfect condition this evening and the sun is shining, no excuses there. Lukaku is the target for a long pass from Baines, but the Belgian cannot gather under pressure from Monreal.

Half-chance for Arsenal as Oxlade-Chamberlain finds some space in a wide area before delivering into the Everton box, but Barry just manages to poke clear at the vital moment and the danger is cleared.

Still no real opportunities for either side, with both defences on top in the opening nine minutes. Pienaar seems to have a problem for Everton here as the South African hits the ground. The midfielder picked up an early knock from Chambers and does not look too happy. A change could soon occur. Osman?

SUB! Indeed the change is made as Pienaar is replaced by Osman.

Arsenal have started to see more of the ball in the middle of the park, but the likes of Wilshere and Ramsey have been unable to find their range thus far, with Baines and Coleman both strong in the full-back areas. Oxlade-Chamberlain tries his luck for the Gunners from distance, but his strike is wide of the post.

Lukaku attempts to get Everton moving as the Belgian rolls a low pass towards Naismith, but Chambers is across to clear the danger. Baines is down the left for the home side moments later, but the move breaks down in the final third. The tempo has just started to rise in the last few minutes.

Everton have the chance to break down the left as Mirallas faces up to Chambers, but the Arsenal centre-back comes out on top. Ozil feeds Wilshere down the other end, but Jagielka is across to challenge at the vital moment. Oxlade-Chamberlain then strokes one just wide of the post for the Gunners.

Slightly frustrating period of the match for Everton as Arsenal continue to play the better football in the final third of the field. Baines again threatens down the left, but Debuchy is across to challenge. Still goalless with 19 minutes on the clock at Goodison Park, but the tempo remains extremely high.

Everton lead with 19 minutes on the clock as Coleman plants a header into the top corner at the far post. Ozil refused to follow his man and the right-back could not miss. Everton lead here!

It was Barry with the cross into Coleman and what a fine cross it was. Arsenal attempt to force the issue down the other end, but Wilshere is denied inside the box by Distin. That has livened things up!

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Everton to make it 2-0 as Mirallas races into the Arsenal box before meeting a header from Naismith, but the Belgian falls at the final moment and rolls it wide.

Mirallas wanted a penalty under the contact from Chambers, but there was not much in it. Arsenal just need to keep the ball for the next five minutes or so because Everton's tails are seriously raised here.

Arsenal are doing their best to force the issue in the final third, but Distin and Jagielka remain strong at the heart of the defence. Oxlade-Chamberlain has a shooting chance outside the Everton box moments later, but his effort is straight at Distin. The opening 26 minutes of this contest have just flown past.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, while the atmosphere has settled inside the stadium following Coleman's opener. You just get the feeling that Arsenal need to score the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Another for Everton and it could be curtains already.

BOOKING! Baines goes into the book for Everton for a late challenge on Debuchy.

The resulting free kick is delivered into the Everton box by Ozil, but Jagielka is on hand to make the block before lashing clear. Little under 15 minutes of the first period remaining at Goodison Park.

Half-chance for Arsenal as Oxlade-Chamberlain collects a loose clearance on the edge of the box, but his low effort was always rolling wide of the post. Arsenal continue to enjoy more of the ball in the final third, but the only statistic that matters sees Everton lead through that Coleman header.

Everton have a free kick on the edge of the box as Chambers flies into the back of Mirallas. Not the best challenge from the former Southampton youngster. What can Everton do here...

... Mirallas goes for goal, but it just curls into the side netting. Very close from the Belgian.

Arsenal threaten as Sanchez finds some space outside the box before rolling a low pass into Wilshere, but Osman is across to clear at the vital moment. Mirallas tries the spectacular for Everton after finding space just past the half-way line, but his effort was always moving high of the crossbar.

HEAT MAP: Leighton Baines & Seamus Coleman. Attack, attack, attack! Arsenal need to stop them getting forward. pic.twitter.com/TnBPVzZsAo — Squawka Football (@Squawka) August 23, 2014

Sanchez picks out a through pass for Ramsey, but Howard is out to claim for the home side. There is a real lack of noise inside the stadium at the moment, which is strange for Goodison Park it must be said.

Half-chance for Everton this time as Mirallas drives a dangerous cross into the Arsenal box, but Lukaku cannot make contact at the first time of asking. The Belgian manages to keep the ball alive at the far post, but Chambers comes across to clear the danger. Still 1-0 Everton with 43 minutes on the clock.

BOOKING! Arsenal skipper Mertesacker goes in the book for fouling Naismith.

Everton have their second of the match as Lukaku shows his power and pace to burst past two defenders before rolling in Naismith, who finishes into the bottom corner. Brilliant from the big Belgian!

Hold on, replays have shown that the Scotland international might have been in an offside position. That is tough on Arsenal and Arsene Wenger is not happy on the sidelines.

So there we have it. The referee brings the first period to an end with Everton leading 2-0 courtesy of goals from Coleman and Naismith. There was controversy about the second goal, however, with Naismith seemingly offside when he collected the pass from Lukaku. Plenty of talking points at Goodison Park!

STATS! Everton just about shaded the possession in the first period with 52%, while they had six attempts, two of which were on target. Arsenal, however, failed to hit the target with any of their five attempts. The referee has also issued two yellow cards, with Baines in the book for Everton and Mertesacker for Arsenal. I suspect there are some strong words being said in the Arsenal dressing room.

BENCH WATCH! Everton boss Martinez has plenty of options on his bench this evening in the shape of Chelsea loanee Atsu, former Celtic attacker McGeady and Bosnian World Cup star Besic. Arsenal, meanwhile, have the likes of Joel Campbell, Olivier Giroud and Santi Cazorla on the bench.

Here we go then. Both sets of players join us on the pitch for the second period. Can Arsenal rescue anything from this match? The Gunners get the second 45 minutes of action underway at Goodison Park.

SUB! Giroud has entered at the break for Arsenal in place of Sanchez.

If Sanchez is not injured then that is a very strange decision for me? The Chilean was arguably his side's most productive player in the first period. Ozil, on the other hand, was quite poor.

CHANCE! Incredible chance for Giroud to make the perfect introduction, but the Frenchman fires a cross from Oxlade-Chamberlain over the crossbar from close range. What a miss!

More frustration for Arsenal as another attack comes to an end when Wilshere cannot find the run of Moreno. Everton are comfortable at the moment and can play on the counter, which is perfect for the home team.

Giroud escapes a yellow card after diving into a late challenge with Baines. Arsenal just need to be a little bit careful at the moment as the fouls continue to add up in the middle of the park. Everton force the issue with another corner, but Chambers gets up to clear the danger at the near post.

Everton want a penalty Giroud appears to handle inside the box, but it hit the Frenchman in the stomach - good decision from the referee. Arsenal are down the other end with Giroud moments later, but the striker cannot move away from the challenge of Distin, with the linesman then awarding a goal kick.

BOOKING! Wilshere goes into the book for Arsenal following a poor challenge on Barry.

Very poor from Wilshere there, who went straight into the ankle of Barry.

Not too much to report in terms of chances in the last few minutes, with both defences standing strong under pressure. Arsenal surely have to find the next goal if they are to take something from the match. Just a reminder that both managers have made one change with little over 30 minutes remaining.

BOOKING! Chambers goes into the book for bringing Naismith to the ground.

Slightly untidy period of the match in the last few minutes with the referee forced to intervene following a number of late challenges. It has been that type of match in the second period. However, Everton will not mind too much with their two-goal lead in tact at this stage of proceedings.

Arsenal go through the gears in a wide area as Wilshere attempts to deliver a low cross into the box, but Mirallas is across to make a fine challenge at the vital moment. The resulting corner is delivered by Oxlade-Chamberlain, but Osman is on hand to clear at the far post. Good opportunity for Arsenal.

Arsene Wenger still has two permitted changes remaining and it would not be a surprise to see those occur in the next five minutes or so. Everton, meanwhile, remain comfortable in all areas of the field.

More frustration for Arsenal as Everton are awarded another free kick from a corner. Not too much to report in terms of attacking football or indeed chances in the last 10 minutes or so. Arsenal have been missing a spark this evening that is for certain, but there is still time for that to change.

CHANCE! Wonderful chance for Arsenal to find the back of the net as Giroud turns on the edge of the box before striking one towards the bottom corner, but his effort moves just wide.

CHANCES! Another chance for Lukaku as the Everton forward moves past the challenge of Mertesacker before attempting to find Naismith, but Chambers is across to clear. Arsenal are down the other end with Giroud moments later, but the striker is denied by Howard from close range.

The end-to-end period of the match continues as Baines drives into the Arsenal box before rolling a low cross towards two teammates, but Flamini manages to get his body in the way. Still 2-0 Everton here.

SUBS! Arsenal bring on Cazorla and Campbell in place of Wilshere and Oxlade-Chamberlain.

SUB! Everton also look to their bench as McGeady replaces Lukaku.

Half-chance for Everton as McGeady finds Naismith on the edge of the Arsenal box, but his effort is high and wide of the crossbar. Arsenal are becoming sloppy at the back it must be said.

BOOKING! Flamini goes into the book for Arsenal for fouling Naismith.

Everton again threaten with pace as Coleman drives into the Arsenal box, but Mertesacker comes across to challenge at the vital moment. Little over 10 minutes of this contest remaining at Goodison.

The atmosphere has just dropped in the last few minutes, but Arsenal are still doing their best to force the issue in the final third. Monreal delivers a dangerous cross towards the far post, but Distin - as he has been all evening - is on hand to clear. Still Everton lead 2-0 at Goodison Park.

Arsenal have one back with little over five minutes remaining as Ramsey converts a low cross from Cazorla at the far post. What a finish we have on our hands here!

SUB! Third change for Everton as Atsu replaces Mirallas.

Half-chance for Arsenal as Giroud meets a corner from the left, but the Frenchman's header just drops wide of the post. The home supporters are doing their best to raise their team at this stage of the match.

Everton have a free kick on the edge of the box as Cazorla dives into the back of Naismith. Time for Everton to run the clock down. They need to take care from this free kick it must be said.

Arsenal equalise in the 90th minute as Giroud heads a Monreal cross into the back of the net from close range. The Frenchman was simply too strong for Distin.

We are into the third minute of four added here and Arsenal are not finished as they continue to break forward. Everton continue to retreat deeper and deeper and they are paying for it at the moment.

Arsenal remain the team on the front foot with little over 60 seconds to play here...

... Everton continue to clear their lines, however, and that could be just about that.

So there we have it. Arsenal come from 2-0 behind to draw 2-2 at Everton courtesy of late goals from Ramsey and Giroud. Thanks for joining Sports Mole for the action. Good evening!