Arsenal resumed Premier League duty with a 2-0 victory over Everton, a result that keeps them level with leaders Manchester City after City’s surprise defeat to Aston Villa earlier in the day.

It was not a smooth performance, and for long spells it felt like Arsenal were working harder than they were shining. Everton reacted well after falling behind and twice came close to levelling through Tyrique George and Thierno Barry, only for last-ditch defending to preserve the lead. At the other end, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze both had chances to justify their roles while Bukayo Saka’s new injury leaves a gap Arsenal still need to manage. James Tarkowski also stood firm in Everton’s defence, but Jordan Pickford was rarely forced into serious action.

The visitors should have been level before the interval. Ben White’s attempt to play the ball back to David Raya was intercepted by Barry, and the Arsenal goalkeeper had to produce a crucial save to avoid a costly error. After the break, Arsenal’s answer was control. With open-play creativity still limited, they leaned on possession to deny Everton any rhythm and eventually found a breakthrough.

Gabriel headed in White’s cross from close range after Arsenal worked the ball into position for a chance. The defender had looked in some discomfort earlier, but he stayed on and delivered the decisive moment. Everton still had one late opening, when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall headed wide, but by then the match was drifting away from them.

Arsenal’s second goal came with more complexity, though the route to it still carried the logic of a set-piece situation. Declan Rice’s corner was only partially cleared, the ball was recycled, and White eventually clipped in a delivery that Gabriel met at the far post. It was Arsenal’s first set-piece goal of the season, and perhaps the clearest sign that when the game becomes stubborn, familiar methods still matter.

That was especially notable given how reliant Arsenal were from dead-ball situations last season, when they scored 35 times from set pieces across all competitions in 2025-26, 29% of their total output. Here, the margin for error was smaller, but the outcome was secure enough.

Arsenal have moved beyond the defensive injury issues that threatened their early-season rhythm, but Mikel Arteta is now dealing with a different concern at the sharp end of the pitch.

The latest blow centres on Bukayo Saka, who has been ruled out after making an injury-free start to 2026/27 following two straight seasons disrupted by lay-offs. His night against Bayern Munich ended after only 10 minutes at the Allianz Arena on Wednesday.

“It doesn’t look good at all, but we have to wait and see,” Arteta told reporters afterwards. “It’s his quad. It was early in the game, and the level of intensity his game requires is something incredible. The quality, strength and attention you need has to be at the highest level, and those things happen unfortunately.” In an earlier response to TNT Sports, the Gunners manager said it is “never a good sign” when a player is withdrawn because of a “a really sharp pain.”

Saka has long had problems in the thigh and hamstring area, from minor issues to longer spells out. At one point in 2024/25, he missed 99 consecutive days while also being on track to break the Premier League’s single-season assist record.

Arsenal still need more information before they can judge how long he will be absent, but the early signs point away from a quick recovery.

That situation may expose the club’s summer decisions. Arsenal did not add another wide forward, and their willingness to keep moving Gabriel Martinelli on without a replacement could now become a major issue.

The club knew upgrades were needed after winning the Premier League and missing out in the Champions League final. Leandro Trossard, dependable but limited, was replaced by Christos Tzolis, yet that was only part of the wider plan. Interest in Morgan Rogers ended when he joined Chelsea, Bradley Barcola chose Liverpool, and Vinícius Júnior signed a new contract with Real Madrid.

Arteta was clearly not satisfied with Martinelli, who initially resisted leaving. Arsenal wanted to cash in, but without a proven upgrade, the decision may have left them short in a position where options are already limited.

Saka’s replacement in Munich was Eberechi Eze. The 28-year-old, signed for big money ahead of last season, is naturally a No. 10 rather than a winger, but has had to cover on the left after Martinelli’s exit. He scored against Bayern, making it two Champions League games in a row with a goal, yet his overall output remains underwhelming.

Noni Madueke started against Bayern because Tzolis, who is loosely expected back in November, is still unavailable. The England international has also failed to make a strong case, having been used since the international break because there are few better alternatives.

Bayern Munich against Arsenal stands as the marquee match of Wednesday’s Champions League programme, and it is easy to see why. Between them, the two clubs offer a remarkable spread of talent, even if injuries and suspensions trim the field of available stars.

With that in mind, here is a fresh look at a combined XI drawn only from the players available for selection, and Arsenal just about come out on top.

In goal, David Raya earns the nod. Manuel Neuer has been carrying a foot injury and remains doubtful, but even if he were fully fit, Raya’s recent level has been enough to place him in most mixed teams. Neuer remains the classic stopper, exceptional at the one job he is there to do, but Raya’s consistency gives Arsenal the edge.

At right-back, Jurrien Timber gets the call ahead of Konrad Laimer. Timber has established himself as one of the game’s top full-backs, and he arrives with the confidence of an assist against Lille in this competition last time out.

Gabriel is an automatic inclusion at centre-back. Arsenal’s defensive structure has been built around him, and he continues to deliver the blend of power, athleticism and technique that makes him such a difficult opponent. Alongside him, Dayot Upamecano is elevated by Vincent Kompany’s influence, with his form now strong enough to place him in the conversation at the very highest level.

On the left, Riccardo Calafiori edges Alphonso Davies. Calafiori’s game has opened up this season, and he is now contributing at both ends rather than only defending.

Joshua Kimmich anchors the midfield with his usual control, while Declan Rice is included after his standout display when these sides met last season, helping Arsenal to a 3-1 win. Aleksandar Pavlović completes the engine room after quietly becoming a major figure in Bayern’s possession game.

Bukayo Saka takes the wing spot, while Michael Olise would have been a strong contender but is suspended. In attack, Harry Kane is the obvious choice. He remains the best striker in the world and has nine goals in 10 games this season, a total that would satisfy most forwards, even if it sits a little below his own standards.