Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium saw central defenders Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhães score in the same Premier League match for the first time in more than two and a half years.
Konsa struck in the seventh minute before Gabriel headed Arsenal’s second in the 68th, giving Mikel Arteta’s side a composed win and keeping them level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table.
The achievement had not been recorded by Arsenal since February 2024, when William Saliba and Gabriel both scored during a 6-0 victory over West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Arsenal’s set-piece threat proves decisive against Everton
The result also underlined Arsenal’s threat from dead-ball situations. Arteta’s side have developed a strong reputation for creating chances from corners and free-kicks under set-piece coach Nicolas Jover.
Konsa’s early finish ended what had reportedly been a wait for a non-penalty set-piece goal stretching back to May. His goal came from a rehearsed routine that created space inside the Everton penalty area.
Gabriel then added a second-half header, further demonstrating his value in attacking situations. The Brazilian’s strength, timing and movement have made him a persistent threat when Arsenal deliver into the box.
With Konsa also contributing on the scoresheet, Arsenal now have multiple defensive players capable of deciding matches from set-pieces. That proved especially important in a game settled by two goals from central defenders.
Arsenal’s position at the top of the Premier League was strengthened after Manchester City suffered their first defeat of the campaign. The result gave Arteta’s team the chance to close the gap, and they took it with a 2-0 win over Everton.
