Arsenal defeated Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday and moved level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
The result followed Manchester City’s earlier defeat to Aston Villa. Arsenal took full advantage in rainy conditions.
Ezri Konsa scored his first goal for Arsenal in the seventh minute. Martin Odegaard delivered a corner. Gabriel Magalhães flicked the ball on and Jordan Pickford parried it. Konsa reacted quickest to prod the ball home.
The goal ended Arsenal’s early-season drought from set pieces. The hosts controlled the first half and created further chances.
Gabriel Magalhães added the second goal in the 68th minute on his 200th Premier League appearance. Ben White received the ball on the right and crossed to the far post. Gabriel rose unmarked and headed past Pickford.
The Brazilian centre-back had earlier received treatment after an awkward landing but continued. Arsenal then managed the game comfortably.
Both goals came from Arsenal’s central defensive partnership. Konsa marked his first contribution in front of goal since joining from Aston Villa. Gabriel secured the victory and a clean sheet.
Everton struggled to create clear opportunities. David Raya denied Thierno Barry in a one-on-one situation. Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall later headed wide from a late chance.
The win left Arsenal level with Manchester City. Mikel Arteta’s side recorded a seventh victory in eight league matches this season. Everton under David Moyes suffered a second successive defeat.
