Konsa Breaks the Deadlock from a Corner

Arsenal did not need long to take the lead. Hosting Everton in Premier League matchday 8 of 2026/2027 at Emirates Stadium on Saturday (24/10/2026), evening WIB, the hosts went ahead in the 7th minute: Ezri Konsa bundled home from inside the six-yard box from a corner to score his first Arsenal goal.

The goal was also Arsenal's first set-piece goal of the season, ending a 153-day set-piece drought. Everton threatened on the break but the 1-0 lead stood at half-time.

Arsenal's early dominance showed in the match record: the hosts led 10-2 in shot attempts and held around 60 per cent of possession in the first half-hour. Even so, Everton remained dangerous on the break and forced Arsenal to work hard to protect their slim lead until half-time.

Gabriel Doubles the Lead with a Header

Arsenal doubled their lead in the 68th minute. Ben White clipped a fine cross to the far post, and Gabriel Magalhaes headed past Jordan Pickford to make it 2-0.

The second set-piece goal secured all three points for Mikel Arteta's side, who played without the injured Bukayo Saka. Everton could not reply before the final whistle, and Arsenal closed out a 2-0 win.

Everton threatened late through Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, whose glancing header from James Garner's cross drifted just wide of David Raya's goal in the 82nd minute. That chance was one of the visitors' best moments, but Arsenal defended with discipline until the final whistle and sealed a clean-sheet win.

Two Defenders Make the Difference

The win underlined Arsenal's set-piece strength, a hallmark of their previous seasons. Two centre-backs scored in a tight contest in north London. The win also kept Arsenal's home record impressive in front of their supporters in north London.

For Everton, the defeat was a reminder of how hard it is to visit Emirates Stadium. David Moyes' side went home without a goal despite a spirited fight throughout the match.