Arsenal moved level on 21 points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after beating Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, October 24.
Defenders Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhães scored either side of half-time to secure the victory for Mikel Arteta’s side, who capitalised on City’s 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa earlier in the day.
Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute, finishing from close range after Gabriel flicked on Martin Ødegaard’s corner. The goal ended Arsenal’s 13-match run without scoring from a set-piece, excluding penalties.
Everton threatened to equalise, with David Raya denying Thierno Barry after Ben White’s attempted header played the forward through on goal.
Arsenal, however, doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Gabriel rose to head home Ben White’s cross, giving the hosts a two-goal cushion.
The Gunners created the better chances, recording 20 shots to Everton’s eight and registering 1.77 expected goals compared with the visitors’ 0.48. Arsenal also dominated the corners, winning 12 to Everton’s three, while possession was 58% to 42% in the hosts’ favour.
Everton struggled to turn their limited opportunities into goals, and Arsenal comfortably saw out the closing stages to claim all three points.
The win takes Arsenal to 21 points, level with Manchester City, whose unbeaten league start ended with their loss at Villa Park. Arsenal’s victory puts them firmly alongside City at the summit as the Premier League title race develops.
