Arsenal 2-0 Everton: Five things we learned as Odegaard shines and Gyokeres struggles again (Premier League)
Arsenal moved level on points with Premier League leaders Manchester City after securing a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium. Ezri Konsa scored his first goal for the club before Gabriel Magalhaes sealed the points shortly after Mikel Arteta's triple substitution.
With City losing 2-1 to Aston Villa earlier in the day, Arsenal took full advantage. Here are five key lessons from the champions' latest victory.
Martin Odegaard remains Arsenal's creative heartbeat Odegaard was once again central to Arsenal's attacking play, dictating the tempo with his passing, movement and ability to find space between the lines. The captain repeatedly troubled Everton's defence with perfectly weighted passes and dangerous set pieces.
Even with Arsenal leading 2-0, he continued to push forward, producing a clever flick to send substitute Kai Havertz through on goal before firing over in the closing stages. After Noni Madueke misplaced a pass early in the game, Odegaard encouraged the winger to stay positive rather than let frustration take over.
Following his outstanding assist for Eberechi Eze against Bayern Munich in midweek, the Norwegian is establishing himself as one of the Premier League's standout performers this season. Arsenal look dangerous from set piece situations Konsa's seventh-minute opener was significant for two reasons: it was his first Arsenal goal and the club's first from a set piece this season.
Arsenal had already forced Everton to defend two corners before the decisive delivery. Gabriel made the crucial first contact at the near post, with Jordan Pickford tipping the ball onto the crossbar.
Viktor Gyokeres then pressured Vitaliy Mykolenko, whose attempted clearance fell into Konsa's path for a close-range finish. Arsenal continued to threaten from corners, winning 10 in the first half alone.
The goal demonstrated how Arteta's side can turn sustained pressure into tangible rewards, particularly against opponents defending deep. Gyokeres' frustrating start continues Gyokeres was handed his first Premier League start of the season after providing the assist for Declan Rice's equaliser against Bayern.
The Swedish striker worked hard and helped create Konsa's opening goal through his pressure on Mykolenko. However, he did not manage a shot and found it difficult to make a consistent impact in the final third.