Ahead of today’s crunch match at the Emirates, Arsène Wenger gave his pre-match assessment on how to beat the Toffees whilst discussing the threat that Romelu Lukaku poses.

The big Belgian has netted 24 league goals this season and has had an impressive campaign under Ronald Koeman this term. It’s no wonder 888sport Premier League odds have him as a favourite to score at the Emirates.

On how to beat Everton Wenger said, “By keeping the quality of our game very high, by putting the tempo [on] at home, our offensive pressure on them, by maintaining our run. I think we’ve just come out of four games in 10 days. We won all the four and some of them were very difficult, so just to keep going until the last minute of the season.

Lukaku’s record in big games has been called into question by many critics who suggest he doesn’t perform at a high enough level on a regular basis. Arsène feels differently, though.

If you look at his record, it’s quite impressive. I believe that every big club who plays against him is conscious that at any moment he can score a goal against you through his power, his determination.

“I haven’t analysed it enough, the big games of Everton, to see if it’s true or not.”

Naturally, Arsenal’s pursuit of a world-class striker that’s relatively young still goes on. However, Wenger revealed that the Gunners were not interested in making a move for Lukaku before he moved to Everton despite being heavily linked with him. The reason? He was contracted to Chelsea.

If you look at his record and his age, it’s quite impressive. I think nobody has scored more goals in the Premier League at his age than him. You have to respect that.

“We were not really after him because he was at Chelsea and belonging to Chelsea.