Three standout players from Arsenal's set piece inspired win over Everton
Arsenal made it three wins on the spin in the Premier League as they convincingly defeated Everton 2-0 on Saturday afternoon.
Ezri Konsa opened his account for the Gunners after just seven minutes when he bundled the ball into the net following a goalmouth scramble that left Jordan Pickford flustered during a corner. Gabriel then made it two after the break as he met Ben White's teasing cross to head in from close range at the back post.
It was a pretty steady showing from Mikel Arteta's side as they controlled the game with domination throughout much of the tie, but there were three players who stood out as the best performers on the day.
Three standout players from Arsenal's set piece inspired win over Everton
Gabriel
Gabriel's influence was felt from the early stages when he won the initial header from Martin Ødegaard's corner delivery, which ultimately caused the problems that allowed Konsa to fire in the opener.
He defended brilliantly to keep Thierno Barry for practically the entire game, making three tackles, one block, eight clearances, two interceptions and one recovery. The most impressive of his contributions came when he stretched to clear a cross that left him with a knock to his knee.
Despite the injury, that looked like it was going to force him off, Gabriel recovered to rise highest to meet Ben White's cross at the back post and head past Pickford to secure the win for his side before helping see it out with a clean sheet.
Ezri Konsa
Just like his defensive partner, Ezri Konsa had a part to play in all areas of the pitch, beginning when he netted his first strike for Arsenal. The defender showed great instinct to get to the back post and prod the ball in to the net after Ødegaard's corner.
The England international's defensive contributions weren't as great as his Brazilian counterpart, making just one tackle and one clearance, but he did win all three ground duels and two of his three aerial duels.
While Konsa had a somewhat simpler time at the back, he still handled Everton's attack very well and his maiden goal in Gunners colours was enough to make him one of his side's best performers against the Toffees.
Martin Ødegaard
Martin Ødegaard may not have got on the scoresheet since the international break, but his renaissance period has continued, with his display against Everton being absolutely no exception.
Having had the most touches of any player with 116, the Arsenal captain had plenty of influence in attack, completing 88 of his 99 attempted passes, creating two chances and playing 26 line-breaking passes.
The Norwegian's troubling corner delivery led to his side's opener and he almost got on the scoresheet himself when he dribbled past two Toffees defenders to make a great solo run and fire at goal, but saw his effort blocked. While he couldn't find the back of the net in the contest, Ødegaard's performance was no doubt a huge factor in the Gunners' victory.
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