Arsenal 2-0 Everton: Toffees suffer second successive Premier League defeat

Everton suffered a second successive Premier League defeat as goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel gave Arsenal a 2-0 victory at the Emirates Stadium.

David Moyes’ Everton arrived in north London looking to respond to last weekend’s 2-0 defeat by Chelsea, but found themselves behind after only seven minutes. Arsenal made their early pressure count from a corner, with Konsa scoring to give Mikel Arteta’s side the lead.

Everton were without Jack Grealish through sickness, while Jarrad Branthwaite missed the game under concussion protocols. Moyes made three changes, bringing Jake O’Brien, Tyrique George and Brennan Johnson into his starting XI.

The visitors struggled to establish themselves as an attacking force during the first half as Arsenal controlled possession and spent long periods in Everton territory. Moyes’ side nevertheless reached the interval only one goal behind and showed more attacking intent after the restart, with Merlin Rohl among those attempting to provide an outlet from the right.

Arsenal continued to carry the greater threat, however, and eventually doubled their advantage in the 69th minute. Ben White delivered from the right and Gabriel arrived at the back post to head beyond Jordan Pickford, leaving Everton with a considerable task during the closing stages.

Moyes turned to his bench in search of a response, but Everton were unable to find a way past David Raya as Arsenal saw out the remainder of the game. The result means Everton have now suffered consecutive 2-0 Premier League defeats after beginning the campaign unbeaten in their opening six matches.

Their difficult recent record against Arsenal also continues. Everton’s last Premier League victory over the Gunners came at Goodison Park in February 2023, while their most recent success at the Emirates remains the 1-0 win in April 2021.

Attention now turns to the Carabao Cup, with Moyes’ side hosting Newcastle United in the fourth round at the Hill Dickinson on Thursday.

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