Arsenal beat Everton to draw level with Man City

Arsenal defeated Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, moving level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League after eight games.

Ezri Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute, prodding home after Jordan Pickford clawed Martin Odegaard’s corner-bound effort onto the crossbar. It was Konsa’s first goal for the club. Gabriel doubled the lead on 68 minutes, heading in Ben White’s cross to mark his 200th Premier League appearance.

City’s earlier defeat at Aston Villa meant Arsenal’s 21 points from seven wins in eight games matched the Citizens’ tally, with only goal difference separating the sides at the summit.

Before kick-off, both clubs observed a minute’s applause in tribute to former Arsenal stalwart Ken Friar, who passed away last week aged 92.

Everton had lost just once this season before the match and created chances of their own. Tyrique George’s fierce effort was deflected behind before the break, while Thierno Barry’s glancing attempt was saved by David Raya. A corner also required Gabriel to clear off his own line after Raya miscued a punch.

Everton pushed for a goal back, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall narrowly missing from a James Garner cross. Garner had filled in at left-back after Vitalii Mykolenko went off injured. The result extends Everton’s record at the Emirates to one win from 31 visits.

Everton are ninth with 10 points from eight matches and next face Newcastle United in the Carabao Cup. Arsenal travel to fourth-tier Fleetwood Town in the competition on Tuesday before hosting Liverpool in the Premier League the following Sunday.