‘We have to demand more from him’: Mikel Arteta urges Arsenal star to step up ahead of Everton

Everton vs Arsenal

The final Premier League fixture of gameweek 15 will see Everton play host to Arsenal at Goodison Park.

The game looks a must-win for the former and, in particular, Rafa Benitez.

Everton enjoyed a fine start to the campaign, but have since dipped off massively. The Toffees have lost four and drawn one of their last five PL games, and slipped down to 14^th.

Should this poor form continue, Everton, who are now only five points above 18^th, risk being sucked into a relegation battle.

Arsenal, though, are expected to prove a tough nut to crack.

The Gunners’ record against the Premier League’s top sides this term has been woeful. But, barring a 2-0 loss at the hands of Brentford on the opening weekend, Arsenal have not fallen to defeat against a non ‘top-six’ side in 2021/22.

And, after Manchester United and Tottenham both won on Sunday, the Gunners need to pick up all three points to ensure they regain 5^th place in the PL.

‘We need him at his best. He can produce more and he knows that’

Ahead of the game, Mikel Arteta has demanded more from an Arsenal star. The player in question? Thomas Partey.

Partey, 28, looked to have been a real coup for Arsenal when he first signed from a then high-flying Atletico Madrid side.

However, for whatever reason, possibly due to persistent injury woes – including an ankle issue at the beginning of this campaign – Partey has never really looked that impressive over a prolonged period in north London.

Now, ahead of Everton, Arteta has sent a message to Partey, stating that the Gunners need him at his  best and that he can produce more:

“We need him at his best. He can produce more and he knows that. We have to demand more from him.”

Arteta added:

“The fact that he’s had so many injuries has not been really helpful for him because he hasn’t found the platform physically to be at his best. 

“Then he has had some games where he has been more consistent than in others.”

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta understands why fans are frustrated with Thomas Partey after his mixed start to life in the Premier League https://t.co/eZDxcNCQc7

— MailOnline Sport (@MailSport) December 6, 2021

Everton vs Arsenal betting tips: Preview, predictions & odds

Everton vs Arsenal live streaming: Watch Premier League online

---