Arsenal strengthened their Premier League title push with a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, thanks to goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhães.
The win gives Mike l Arteta’s side seven victories from their opening eight league matches, leaving them level on points with Manchester City but behind on goal difference.
Everton, managed by David Moyes, dropped to ninth place with 10 points after struggling to match Arsenal’s attacking pressure.
Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute, converting from close range after Martin Ødegaard’s corner caused problems in the Everton defence. Gabriel’s header across goal helped create the opportunity, with the loose ball falling to Konsa.
The goal also ended Arsenal’s wait for their first goal from a corner this season.
Arsenal continued to control the game, recording 20 shots to Everton’s eight and registering 45 touches in the opposition penalty area, compared with Everton’s 16.
Gabriel doubled the lead in the second half, heading home a cross from Ben White at the far post. The goal came on Gabriel’s 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal.
The Brazilian defender had earlier suffered a leg injury that required lengthy treatment, but he returned to the game before scoring.
Arsenal were without Bukayo Saka, but Arteta said he was pleased with how his team handled a demanding week and maintained their level despite making five changes.
“It’s a big win for us. It was a tough week, the amount of minutes. We knew we had a very good opponent in front of us,” Arteta said.
He also welcomed the team’s breakthrough from a corner.
“I hope now people are enjoying it. Really happy for the team to find different ways to load the position and make problems,” he said.
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On Gabriel’s injury scare, Arteta said the reaction of his teammates had initially raised concerns.
“We all did by the reaction of his teammates it was a worrying action. We all know Gabi, how tough and strong he is, and he seems to be okay,” he said.
Arteta added that he was pleased with the team’s performance despite the changes to the starting line-up.
“Delighted. We got through the most part as the better team and we dominated the game. To change five players and still play at the level is impressive,” he said.
Everton manager David Moyes said his team competed for long periods but lacked the attacking quality needed to get a result.
“Huffed and puffed a little bit, stuck at it for long parts of the game, which was good. We never gave them anything easy but in the end it just wasn’t enough,” Moyes said.
He described Arsenal’s opening goal as scrappy but maintained that Everton defended reasonably well for much of the match.
“It ended up they made first contact. It was a little bit scruffy at the back post. Apart from that we defended pretty well,” he said.
Konsa praised Gabriel after the Brazilian scored Arsenal’s second goal.
“Top top player. Top human being. Very happy for him. He’s made my life easy since I’ve joined the club and it’s a pleasure playing beside him,” Konsa said.
Arsenal finished the match with 58 per cent possession at half-time, alongside 13 shots to Everton’s three and 10 corners to three. They also recorded 30 touches in Everton’s box before the break, compared with four for the visitors.
NBC Sports
