Arsenal Beat Everton 2-0 to Join Man City at the Top
Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at a rainswept Emirates Stadium on Saturday, moving level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League. The Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 result came through goals in each half from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes, on an afternoon when the champions took full advantage of City’s earlier defeat.
City had lost 2-1 at Aston Villa in the day’s first match, their first league defeat of the season. Arsenal, playing a few hours later, made no mistake. Both teams now sit on 21 points from eight games, with City ahead only on goal difference.
Konsa opens the scoring
The home team started strongly and took the lead in the seventh minute after their third corner, following a scramble in the box. Martin Odegaard’s inswinging delivery was flicked on by Gabriel. Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford got his fingertips to the bouncing ball, but it fell to Konsa, who poked it home at the back post.
It was Konsa’s first goal for the club since joining from Aston Villa in August, and Arsenal’s first set-piece goal since May. Konsa said he had been waiting to score his first goal for a while, and that he had spoken to the set-piece coach before the game, who had been waiting for it as well.
Everton struggled to establish a foothold in the pouring rain. Gabriel consistently got the better of Everton striker Thierno Barry, who had a frustrating afternoon on the slick turf. Gabriel also came to Arsenal’s rescue when goalkeeper David Raya failed to deal convincingly with an Everton corner in the first half, clearing the danger off the line to preserve the lead.
Gabriel seals the win
There was a brief injury scare after an awkward landing when Gabriel jarred his knee on the turf, but he quickly returned to score the decisive second goal in the 68th minute. After a triple substitution, Bruno Guimaraes fed Ben White down the right, and White’s floated cross found Gabriel rising at the back post to head home.
It was Gabriel’s 21st Premier League goal for Arsenal, more than any other defender since he made his debut in the competition six years ago. Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta said Gabriel was one of the best centre backs in the world, with no question, given the impact he has in both boxes. Arteta added that Gabriel’s leadership, presence and what he offers to the rest of the team were unique.
“Gabi was unbelievable, the action that leads to the possible injury and then the way he overcomes that situation with his willingness to go again and to score that goal,” Arteta said. “It’s a great description of what he is as a player and as a leader in this club.”
Konsa was full of praise for his centre-back partner. “Very pleased for him. He’s a top, top player. Top human being. Very happy for him,” Konsa said. “He’s made my life easy since I’ve joined the club and it’s been a pleasure playing alongside him.”
What Arsenal’s win over Everton means for the title race
Arsenal played without Bukayo Saka, who suffered a thigh injury in the midweek Champions League draw at Bayern Munich, and with William Saliba still absent through injury. Arteta picked Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze as his wide players, and the team still controlled the game, with Everton rarely threatening Raya’s goal.
The win also underlined Arsenal’s strength at home. Everton’s miserable record in Arsenal’s corner of north London now stretches to one win from 31 visits. In another match on Saturday, Tottenham Hotspur defeated 10-man Chelsea 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.
For Arsenal, the task now is to stay with City. The champions have made a habit of winning these games, and Saturday showed why: a set-piece goal to open the scoring, a captain’s performance at the back, and a second goal when Everton threatened to fight back. With Saka still to return, there may be more to come from this team.
Related coverage: Saka quad injury worries Arteta, Jackson lifts Villa past Man City, Arsenal beat Leeds in comeback win, and Arsenal injuries pile up before Lille.
Frequently asked questions
Who scored in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Everton?
Ezri Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute from a corner scramble, and Gabriel Magalhaes headed the second in the 68th minute from Ben White’s cross.
