Arsenal close gap on Man City with comfortable Everton win
By Tosin Omojola
Arsenal moved level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table after securing a comfortable home victory over Everton.
Defenders Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes scored to take Arsenal to 21 points, joining City, who had earlier suffered a defeat at Aston Villa.
Arsenal broke the deadlock in the seventh minute after sustained early pressure earned them three consecutive corners. Konsa bundled the ball in at the far post to score his first goal for the club and give the Gunners their first goal from a set-piece this season.
Everton sought an equaliser through James Garner and Tyrique George, both of whom tested their luck in front of goal, but neither could find a way past Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya.
The Gunners dominated the first half, recording 13 shots and winning 10 corners as they maintained control of the contest.
Arsenal continued their dominance after the break, and Gabriel doubled their advantage in the 68th minute, heading home Ben White’s cross to join his defensive partner on the scoresheet.
Everton nearly pulled a goal back late in the game when Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall flicked a header narrowly wide, but Arsenal held on to secure all three points.
