04 February 2023 , 04:00
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Arsenal have now completed the first half of the Premier League season and sit pretty at the top of the pile, boasting a five-point advantage over nearest challengers Manchester City.
However, there is still plenty of football to be played and up next for the Gunners is the stern test of a trip to Everton. Arsenal have not won at Goodison Park since 2017 when Arsene Wenger was still at the helm, so Mikel Arteta will be all too aware of the size of the task that presents his players.
The Toffees will be hoping to put some of that famous 'new manager bounce' momentum to good use given this tie also marks Sean Dyche's first game in the Everton hot-seat.
Here are three of the main stories coming out of the Emirates on Saturday, February 4 before Arsenal's lunchtime showdown at Everton.
Gabriel Martinelli (middle) has signed a contract extension at Arsenal (Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Martinelli pens new deal
Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli has signed a new long-term four-and-a-half year deal with the Gunners to extend his stay at the Emirates until the summer of 2027.
Chelsea complete record-breaking Enzo Fernandez transfer after deadline day rush
The club even boast an option within the deal to keep the Brazilian for a further year, which would keep him in North London until the summer of 2028 if Arsenal choose to activate it.
After signing the contract, Martinelli could barely contain his delight as he told the club's website: "I feel amazing, I’m really happy in getting the new contract, I want to do my best for the team and for the fans as well, to give back to them and make them proud.
"I’ve said it many times, I love everything about Arsenal. I love the city, I love my teammates, I love the fans, I love the club and I’m going to try my best for this football club."
Albert Sambi Lokonga has explained the reasons behind his deadline day move to Crystal Palace (Crystal Palace YouTube)Lokonga explains exit decision
Albert Sambi Lokonga has struggled to truly establish himself at Arsenal since his arrival in the summer of 2021 and after a particularly poor first half of this season, the Belgian has left to join Crystal Palace on loan.
It is hoped that Lokonga will enjoy more regular game time at Selhurst Park under the guidance of a man who knows exactly what it takes to excel in the middle of the park for Arsenal in Eagles boss Patrick Vieira.
Following confirmation of the switch, Lokonga revealed it was actually a phone call with the Gunners legend that swayed him in his decision to join.
"It was not easy [to leave Arsenal] because as you can see they are top of the league, but for me the important thing was the confidence of the coach," he told Palace's website.
"I had him on the phone and it was a good opportunity to come here, to show myself and to help the boys reach their objectives. He said to me ‘welcome’. He is going to push me to be a better player – I am looking forward to it."
Find the full story HERE.
Mikel Arteta poses with his staff as he collects the Manager of the Month awardArteta named Manager of the Month
The Gunners boss has been crowned the Premier League's Manager of the Month for the third time this season following an incredibly impressive January.
Everton chiefs face transfer backlash from fans after deadline day disaster
Arsenal saw in the New Year by playing out a 0-0 draw against Newcastle, a game in which they dominated proceedings for large parts.
That was eventually followed by a 3-0 FA Cup win away at Oxford and a memorable North London derby victory on Spurs' stomping ground - the first time Arsenal have won at their local rivals' new stadium.
A week later saw them topple Manchester United in a thrilling 3-2 victory, though they were also eliminated from the FA Cup following a 1-0 defeat by title rivals City.
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