Arsenal 2-0 Everton: Konsa and Gabriel score as Gunners draw level on points with Manchester City

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Ezri Konsa and Gabriel scored as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 at Emirates Stadium to move level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.

Konsa put the hosts ahead in the seventh minute before Gabriel headed in Ben White’s cross in the 68th. The result took Mikel Arteta’s side to 21 points after City’s earlier defeat at Aston Villa.

Arsenal’s centre-backs supplied both goals on an afternoon when their defensive work also helped secure a clean sheet.

Konsa gives Arsenal an early advantage

Arsenal’s pressure from corners brought the breakthrough, with Konsa finishing from close range after Everton failed to clear.

The hosts continued to create openings but reached half-time with only a one-goal lead. Eberechi Eze, Noni Madueke and Mikel Merino were among those involved in Arsenal’s attempts to extend their advantage.

Everton also gave Arsenal a warning. David Raya made an important reaction save after a defensive mistake, helping preserve the lead during a first half covered in The Short Fuse’s match report.

David Moyes had kept his selection plans largely private in his pre-match press conference, but his side were left needing a response to Arsenal’s early goal.

Gabriel recovers to double the lead

Gabriel required treatment after an awkward second-half fall but was able to continue and subsequently scored Arsenal’s second.

White delivered from the right and the Brazilian headed home at the far post. The match event record credits White with the assist and confirms the goal in the 68th minute.

Kai Havertz, Bruno Guimarães and Riccardo Calafiori were introduced during the second half, with Max Dowman and Martín Zubimendi also coming on as Arsenal saw out the victory.

Arsenal take advantage of City’s defeat

The win ensured Arsenal capitalised on Manchester City’s 2-1 loss at Villa Park earlier in the day.

Arteta’s side were without Bukayo Saka, whose absence against Everton had been confirmed while he underwent further assessment of a thigh injury, as reported by Reuters.

They nevertheless secured the three points through contributions from their defence, leaving Everton without a goal for a second successive league match following their defeat by Chelsea.

The wider schedule is available in our Premier League fixtures guide.

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