Arsenal took full advantage of Manchester City’s first league defeat of the season on Saturday, beating Everton 2-0 at a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium to move level on points with the leaders at the top of the Premier League.
Defender Ezri Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute and Brazilian centre-back Gabriel sealed the win with a header in the 68th minute, on the day he made his 200th Premier League appearance. The result means the champions have now won seven of their first eight league matches this season.
How the match was won
Arsenal made a fast start. From an early corner, the ball was worked to the back post and Konsa was on hand to tap in from close range. Viktor Gyokeres, making his first league start of the season, was credited with the assist.
Everton should have levelled just before half-time. A weak headed back-pass from Ben White towards goalkeeper David Raya fell to striker Thierno Barry, but he could not take advantage of the error, and Arsenal went into the break still in front.
The home side controlled much of the second half despite the heavy rain, and the decisive moment came midway through it. Gabriel rose to head home Arsenal’s second, once again showing how dangerous Mikel Arteta’s side are from set pieces and in the opposition box. Gabriel celebrated with a heart sign to the home fans, a fitting way to mark a milestone appearance.
The win came only days after Arsenal battled to a 2-2 draw away to Bayern Munich in Europe, where Declan Rice scored the equaliser after more good work from Gyokeres. Arteta will be pleased that his side showed no signs of fatigue after a demanding week.
What it means for the Premier League table
The timing of the victory could hardly have been better for Arsenal. Earlier on Saturday, Manchester City lost 2-1 away to Aston Villa, their first league defeat of the campaign.
That leaves the top of the table looking like this after eight matches:
- 1. Manchester City – 21 points (goal difference +11)
- 2. Arsenal – 21 points (goal difference +7)
- 3. Brighton & Hove Albion – 16 points, with a game in hand
- 4. Chelsea – 13 points, with a game in hand
- 5. Liverpool – 12 points, with a game in hand
Arsenal are now separated from City only by goal difference, meaning the title race is effectively level. With a five-point gap to Brighton in third, the early signs are that this season could again become a two-horse race between Arteta’s side and Pep Guardiola’s City. A strong goal-difference swing in the coming weeks could even put Arsenal top outright.
Arsenal’s defensive record is also worth noting. Both goals on Saturday came from defenders, and the clean sheet was another sign of the solid base Arteta has built at the back. Title-winning sides are often built on that kind of reliability.
Where it leaves Everton
For David Moyes and Everton, the afternoon continued a worrying run. The Toffees had been unbeaten in the league until last weekend, but this was a second straight defeat. They remain without an away league win this season and have now gone 14 league trips to Arsenal without a victory.
Moyes was without two key players, Jack Grealish and Jarrad Branthwaite, and their absence showed. Everton stay on 10 points after eight matches and sit in the middle of the table, ninth for now. They will need to rediscover their early-season form quickly if they hope to stay in the race for the European places.
What comes next
Arsenal now head into a busy period of league and European fixtures. The challenge for Arteta will be managing his squad while keeping pace with City, who will be desperate to respond after their loss at Villa Park.
For Arsenal fans, Saturday was a reminder that their side is still the team to beat. Level on points at the top, with a settled defence and goals coming from all over the pitch, the champions look ready for another long title fight.
Flashinfong Sports will keep you updated on the Premier League title race all season.