In rain-soaked north London, Arsenal turned Manchester City’s earlier stumble into an opportunity, beating Everton 2-0 to move level with the leaders on 21 points. Mikel Arteta’s side remain second only on goal difference, but the afternoon brought both a controlled win and an anxious moment involving Gabriel Magalhaes.
Arsenal close in on the summit
- After the Champions League meeting with Bayern, Arteta reshaped his starting side, with Bukayo Saka among the players unavailable through injury.
- Mikel Merino came into the team and made a lively contribution, while Martin Zubimendi again had limited involvement, underlining his place at the back of the midfield selection order.
- Arsenal began on the front foot and quickly forced Everton deep, despite the visitors arriving in competitive form.
- The opening goal came from a familiar Arsenal set-piece threat. Everton failed to clear an inswinging corner, allowing Konsa to turn the loose ball in at the far post.
- With Viktor Gyokeres leading the line, Merino pushing through central areas and Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke operating wide, Arsenal continued to dictate territory without seriously testing Jordan Pickford again before the interval.
- David Raya was similarly well protected as Everton struggled to create sustained danger at the other end.
Gabriel recovers to seal the win
The second half briefly shifted the mood around the stadium. Heavy rain had affected the contest throughout, and Gabriel appeared to jar his knee while making a clearance. The Brazilian defender stayed down for several minutes and looked concerned, while Spanish defender Mosquera prepared to enter from the bench.
Gabriel was able to continue, however, and soon delivered the decisive moment. Rising above the Everton defence to meet Ben White’s cross, he headed home Arsenal’s second goal and completed a result that keeps the reigning Premier League champions firmly alongside City at the top of the table.
