Abdoulaye Doucoure has warned Arsenal that Everton are ready to play the “troublemaker” role on the final day of the season.
The Gunners host Everton on Sunday needing a win to have any chance of snatching the Premier League title away from Manchester City, but know they need an unlikely turnaround to deny Pep Guardiola’s side a fourth title in a row.
City sit two points clear at the top of the table and victory at home to West Ham will ensure the trophy remains in Manchester, regardless of what Arsenal do. Should City be held to a draw, Arsenal will win the league on goal difference if they beat Everton.
The Toffees have little to play for on the final day, having already secured their Premier League survival, but Doucoure has insisted he and his team-mates are ready to halt any potential celebrations in north London.
“Why not [spoil the party]?” the Everton midfielder said.
“You have to play your best. That’s true that the world is watching. It’s a good pressure and challenge for us as well because no one gives you anything in the Premier League.
“If we have to be the troublemaker in the Premier League against Arsenal, then why not?”
Everton go into the match on a run of just one defeat in eight matches, winning four of their last five games to move up to 15th in the table. Without their points deductions, Sean Dyche’s side would be firmly in the hunt for a top-half finish.
Arsenal have tasted defeat only once in the Premier League in 2024, with a draw away to City one of two matches they have dropped points in, but even that sensational run of form is not expected to be enough to win the title for the first time since the Invincibles did so 20 years ago.
