Arsenal's centre-backs end set-piece drought as Konsa and Gabriel pull champions level with Man City
Arsenal's centre-backs did the damage as Ezri Konsa and Gabriel scored in a 2-0 win over Everton, moving the champions level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League.
City had lost 2-1 at Aston Villa in the early kick-off, and Mikel Arteta's side took full advantage at a rain-soaked Emirates Stadium. It was a seventh win from eight league matches, leaving Arsenal on 21 points and behind City only on goal difference.
Arsenal's set-piece threat returns
After breaking the record for goals scored from corners in a single Premier League season (19) last term, Arsenal had failed to score from a dead ball in 12 matches across all competitions this season (excluding penalties). That run ended in the seventh minute.
Gabriel flicked on a Martin Ødegaard delivery, Jordan Pickford was left scrambling and Konsa prodded home at the far post for his first goal since arriving from Aston Villa. Viktor Gyökeres, making his first league start of the season, was credited with the assist.
Everton's best chance came just before half-time, when Ben White's weak header played in Thierno Barry. David Raya won the one-on-one to keep Arsenal ahead.
Gabriel marks 200th appearance with first Arsenal of the season
Gabriel went down holding his hamstring early in the second half, with Cristhian Mosquera sent to warm up, but the Brazilian played on. On 68 minutes he rose highest at the far post to head in White's cross.
It was his first goal of the season, on his 200th Premier League appearance. Arteta admitted he was nervous when Gabriel went down, having lost Bukayo Saka to injury this week, but said the defender seems 'fine'.
"We all [thought he would have to come off] by the reaction of his team-mates. It was a really worrying action. We know Gabi and how tough and strong he is - and he seems to be OK."
On the win, Arteta said it was an important three points for his side, following City's result and a tough Champions League clash with Bayern Munich in midweek.
"It's a big win for us. It was a tough week with the schedule we had to go through, a lot of minutes and the games were coming thick and fast.
"We knew we had a very good opponent in front of us but, overall, we had a good performance and fully deserved to win."
