Konsa and Gabriel scored as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 in the rain to draw level with Man City
Two centre-backs scored as Arsenal took advantage of Manchester City’s defeat at Villa Park, with Gabriel marking his 200th Premier League appearance with the second goal.
Oct 24, 2026
Arsenal knew before kick-off that Manchester City had lost at Villa Park. Two centre-backs made sure they took the chance. Ezri Konsa scored in the seventh minute, Gabriel Magalhães headed the second midway through the second half, and the champions beat Everton 2-0 at a rain-soaked Emirates to draw level with City on 21 points.
Arsenal were steady rather than sharp. Against an Everton side that barely tested David Raya, steady was plenty.
A corner, finally
Arsenal had waited all season for a goal from a corner. Everton failed to clear, and Konsa got to the ball at the back post and forced it in from close range. It was his first goal for the club.
Mikel Arteta made five changes after Wednesday’s 2-2 draw at Bayern Munich. Bukayo Saka was out with the thigh injury he picked up in that game, and Eberechi Eze came into the side. Viktor Gyökeres got his first Premier League start of the season. He was involved in the scramble for the opener, but he is still waiting for his first league goal of the season.
Everton’s best chance came just before half-time, and Arsenal handed it to them. Ben White’s header back to Raya was too weak, and Thierno Barry nearly got there first. He could not get enough on it.
Gabriel’s 200th, and White’s cross
White made up for it after the break. His cross found Gabriel at the back post for a header that made it 2-0, on his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal. Late on, Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall headed just wide for Everton, which was about as close as they came to a reply.
David Moyes was missing Jarrad Branthwaite and Jack Grealish. Everton were unbeaten in the league until last weekend, and this is their second defeat in a row.
The title race after eight games
Arsenal have seven wins from eight league games, the same record as City, who were perfect until earlier in the day. City are still top on goal difference.
For Arteta, the result matters more than the performance. Saka could be out for weeks and Gyökeres has not scored, so for now Arsenal’s goals are coming from their defenders. On Saturday that was enough to keep pace with City.