Center-backs bring Arsenal to victory over Everton

On Saturday, 24 October 2026, FC Arsenal faced FC Everton at the Emirates Stadium in the 8th round of the Premier League. With goals from centre‑back Ezri Konsa in the 7th minute and Gabriel Magalhães in the 68th minute, Arsenal secured a 2‑0 victory and reached 21 points, level with league leaders Manchester City.

Set‑Piece‑Power lets Arsenal dominate

Arsenal displayed a clear superiority in build‑up play in the first half: 58 % possession, 13 shots compared with three for the opponent and an early goal from a corner delivery by Viktor Gyökeres, which Konsa finished. The early lead shaped the subsequent action, while Everton created few dangerous chances.

Personnel changes and injuries

Coach Mikel Arteta left Kai Havertz on the bench for the first time in the league and instead started Viktor Gyökeres, Mikel Merino and Miles Lewis‑Skelly. For the visitors, former Freiburg player Merlin Röhl started, while Arsenal, without the injured Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis, rotated and instead fielded Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke.

Manchester City loses lead – Jackson's double

While Arsenal collected the points, Manchester City lost in the same round of fixtures against Aston Villa 2‑1. Nicolas Jackson scored a double for Villa and put the Citizens behind, a result that helped Arsenal share the lead in the table.

Aston Villa ends City's winning streak with Jackson's brace

Before Arsenal's triumph, Bayern Munich's 2‑2 draw in the Champions League tie had still motivated the English champions after the European setback. Arsenal's win therefore confirmed the English champions' position after the European match.

In the second half Gabriel Magalhães increased the lead after a cross from Ben White in the 68th minute to make it 2‑0, shortly before Bruno Guimarães entered the field to support ball circulation. Goalkeeper David Raya had to intervene only rarely, but he saved a shot from Thierno Barry after a misplaced pass from Ben White.

Haaland praises Jackson's brace after the Citizens' fall

Arsenal's next assignment is in the English League Cup against Fleetwood on Tuesday, 27 October, while Everton host Newcastle on Thursday, the 29th. Both fixtures give the teams the chance to further consolidate their form.