Arsenal down Everton to move level with Man City

Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 on Saturday to move level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table at the Emirates Stadium.

Defenders Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhães scored to lift Arsenal to 21 points, joining City, who had earlier suffered a 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa.

The opening goal came in the seventh minute after sustained early pressure helped Arsenal win three consecutive corners. Konsa bundled the ball into the net at the back post for his first goal for the club since joining Aston Villa in August. It was also Arsenal’s first goal from a set piece this season.

Fellow centre-back Gabriel doubled the hosts’ lead midway through the second half to secure the victory.

The result allowed Arsenal to capitalise on City’s defeat at Villa Park, which ended their perfect start to the league campaign. Both sides now have 21 points, although City retain a superior goal difference.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was forced to reshuffle his attack after Bukayo Saka suffered a muscle injury in Wednesday’s Champions League draw against Bayern Munich. He selected Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze as his wide players.

Arteta was already short of options on the wings, with Christos Tzolis sidelined and Gabriel Martinelli and Leandro Trossard having left during the summer transfer window.

Arsenal started strongly and took the lead after winning their third corner of the match. Martin Ødegaard’s inswinging delivery was flicked on by Gabriel, and Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford got his fingertips to the bouncing ball. However, it fell to Konsa, who poked it home at the back post.