Arsenal drew level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City after Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes secured a comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton.
The result took Mikel Arteta’s side to 21 points, matching City’s tally after their defeat at Aston Villa earlier in the day.
Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute, turning the ball home at the back post following a sequence of three Arsenal corners.
It was his first goal for the club and the Gunners’ first from a set-piece this season.
Everton threatened through James Garner and Tyrique George, but David Raya kept the visitors out as Arsenal controlled much of the first half.
The hosts recorded 13 shots and earned 10 corners before the interval, although they had to wait until the 68th minute to extend their advantage.
Gabriel met Ben White’s cross with a header to put the result beyond Everton’s reach.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall went close to reducing the deficit late on, flicking a header narrowly wide, but Arsenal comfortably protected their lead.
Madueke Impresses in Saka’s Absence
Arsenal began a spell without Bukayo Saka, whose quadriceps injury is expected to keep him sidelined for at least six weeks, with an encouraging attacking display.
Noni Madueke returned to his preferred position on the right wing and repeatedly troubled Everton with his direct running.
He missed a promising first-half opportunity after Declan Rice sent him through, but otherwise delivered a lively performance in front of England manager Thomas Tuchel.
Eberechi Eze also looked sharp on the left, building on his goalscoring contribution in the midweek Champions League draw with Bayern Munich.
Arteta will have been particularly pleased to see Arsenal rediscover their set-piece threat.
Last season, they scored a league-leading 25 goals from set-pieces, excluding penalties, including a record 19 from corners.
After seven league matches without a set-piece goal this campaign, Konsa ended that drought.
His contribution, followed by Gabriel’s header, highlighted the attacking value of Arsenal’s centre-back partnership alongside their defensive strength.
Everton Lack a Cutting Edge
Everton remained organised but struggled to turn their opportunities into goals, extending David Moyes’ winless league record away to Arsenal with the club.
Before this latest defeat, his previous 13 visits had produced three draws and 10 losses.
Jack Grealish’s absence through illness reduced Everton’s attacking options, although the visitors still created chances to test Arsenal.
George saw an effort deflected wide and Garner forced Raya into a save, while Thierno Barry squandered their clearest opening.
Barry reacted to a header from White but could only poke his effort within reach of Raya, who made a good stop.
Harrison Armstrong’s assured work in midfield offered Moyes some encouragement, but Everton lacked the quality in front of goal to make their chances count.
