Konsa and Gabriel fire Arsenal joint-top as City slip hands Gunners lifeline

Arsenal seized on Manchester City’s first defeat of the Premier League season to go joint-top of the table, beating Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes scored the goals that lifted the Gunners level with City on points, hours after the champions had lost 2-1 away to Aston Villa.

Konsa broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, prodding home after Martin Odegaard’s corner delivery struck the crossbar via an Everton defender and fell to Viktor Gyokeres, who got a touch before the defender converted. It was Arsenal’s first goal from a corner this season — a record that had drawn attention given they netted six from set pieces in the opening seven games of last campaign.

Soaking conditions at the Emirates made for a scrappy contest, and Arsenal squandered chances to extend their lead before the break. David Moyes was visibly frustrated at half-time, confronting referee Tony Harrington in the tunnel, with Everton captain James Tarkowski also unhappy with several first-half decisions.

Gabriel’s goal midway through the second half ended any lingering doubt. The Brazilian centre-back had earlier given Mikel Arteta a scare with an injury concern but recovered to play a full part in the victory.

Arteta rotated his squad following Wednesday’s 2-2 Champions League draw away to Bayern Munich, with a Carabao Cup trip to Fleetwood also on the horizon. Riccardo Calafiori was rested after starting every league game this season, while Gyokeres led the line ahead of Kai Havertz and Mikel Merino came in for Bruno Guimaraes.

Everton’s threadbare resources were evident as Moyes named two goalkeepers among his substitutes. Jarrad Branthwaite was absent with concussion and Jack Grealish missed out through illness, leaving the Toffees with limited options against the reigning champions.

The defeat leaves Everton without a win since the international break and they now face a demanding run that includes a cup-league double-header against Newcastle.