Arsenal v Everton
Play By Play
The full-time whistle arrives on this wet North London afternoon, and Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 to go level on points with league leaders Manchester City. The Gunners fired themselves ahead in what was a comfortable display, as Konsa powered through the bodies in the seventh minute. A right-sided corner caused chaos in a congested Everton area. Pickford flapped, and Gyokeres managed to touch it down before the defender slammed in his first Arsenal goal and the club's first of the season from a corner. Despite their 20 shots and 12 corners against the pretty tame Toffees, Arteta's hosts only tallied one more goal. This arrived in a far less competitive second period, as defenders continued to make a difference. Gabriel marked his 200th Premier League appearance with both a fine headed finish and a clean sheet, heading home from a deft White cross from the right side. No defender has scored more in the league since the Brazilian's debut back in 2020. While Everton's defensive resilience was admirable at times, their lack of an effective out ball in transition really hindered them. They had their chances, but worked ineffectively around their meagre 0.48 xG. Even in the face of underutilised shots and set pieces, second-placed Arsenal performed above their 1.77 xG and chalked up their third win from three since the end of the international break. It's now back-to-back defeats for Everton as they remain in ninth for now. Thanks for joining us today. We hope you enjoyed this live text coverage!
FULL-TIME: ARSENAL 2-0 EVERTON
Rohl rolls the ball back from the right for Alcaraz, but Calafiori blocks well inside his own box.
Following cute interplay between Dowman, Zubimendi and White, Odegaard powers one well high of Pickford's bar. Referee Harrington then makes a third trip to the dugout now, as another Arsenal coaching staff member is flashed a yellow card.
Barry and Gabriel continue their duel today, but again, the Brazilian is the victor.
Arsenal are cruising to the final whistle here, as they look to make it three wins from three following the international break.
There'll be a minimum of eight minutes of added time here, just as Odegaard lashes one off target from range.
Hackney has a go from range, but Raya clings on well despite the slippery conditions.
Pickford sends a long ball into the gloves of Raya as play resumes. Madueke then hangs one up at the right post, but Everton just about fire clear.
While Zubimendi's bloody nose continues to receive treatment, Dewsbury-Hall is replaced by Charly Alcaraz for the final knockings.
Barry and Zubimendi tussle, leaving Arsenal's midfield substitute on the turf following a flailing arm.
Visiting possession is smart enough, yet comes to a head with Dewsbury-Hall just heading wide of the right post inside the box!
The next to make way is Eze. His replacement is young Max Dowman.
A positively soaked Rice heads off now after a typical all-action display. On comes Martin Zubimendi.
Tarkowski slides in late on Havertz as Arsenal break following Evertonian pressure. The defender picks up the booking after leaving the German substitute in a heap.
Barry shapes to shoot from the edge of the area, yet Gabriel blocks well as the ball rolls away agonisingly after a poor touch. Everton keep pushing for some sort of response here, though.
The Emirates is in fine voice now, as we move into the game's final 15 minutes. After this, the Gunners will be level on 21 points with league leaders Man City.
That next change does arrive now, as the injured Mykolenko makes way for Hayden Hackney.
"Champions of England, we know what we are!" sing the Arsenal fans. Will they have another title at the end of this season? With performances like this, we can't see why not. It obviously matters what their title rivals City and co. get up to.
Everton look to their bench now, as the ineffectual Johnson jogs off for Tyler Dibling. There could be another change, as Mykolenko is down at the moment.
In Gabriel and Konsa, this is the first time two centre-backs have scored in a game for Arsenal since February 2024, when Saliba and Gabriel hit the back of the net against West Ham.
White's ball is excellent for his Brazilian defensive teammate. There was a brief check for offside against the right-back, but the second roar confirms the 2-0 scoreline!
GOOAAALLLL! GABRIEL CELEBRATES HIS 200TH PL APPEARANCE WITH A GOAL FOR 2-0! A fine move culminates with White clipping in a ball from the right. It goes over to the back post, and Gabriel is there to head inside the left post past a scrambling Pickford!
The final alteration sees Gyokeres replaced by Kai Havertz.
Next off is Lewis-Skelly for Riccardo Calafiori at left-back.
