Everton boss Ronald Koeman has said that Arsenal have improved since he last faced Arsene Wenger in the dugout.
Last season, while manager of Southampton, Koeman recorded four points and kept successive clean sheets in two Premier League matches against the Gunners.
On Tuesday, Everton host the North London outfit at Goodison Park but Koeman insisted that he expects a tougher clash, with Arsenal having avoided defeat in the top flight since the opening day of the season.
The 53-year-old told reporters: "This Arsenal is better than it was because I have the experience with Southampton to beat them several times.
"But this Arsenal is more in balance between defending and attack and in my opinion this season Arsenal is one of the favourites to win the title.
"We know if we can keep a compact team, we can make it difficult."
Everton can move into seventh position in the standings if they overcome Tuesday's visitors to Merseyside.
Darren Plant
