Arsenal Player Ratings vs Everton: Gabriel Shines in 2-0 Win

Gabriel and Konsa score as Arsenal beat Everton 2-0 to move level with Man City

Arsenal defeated Everton 2-0 at the Emirates Stadium, with goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel securing three points that draw Mikel Arteta's side level on points with Manchester City. The victory reinforced the impression that the Gunners are gathering momentum in their pursuit of the Premier League summit.

Result: Arsenal 2-0 Everton
Goals: Ezri Konsa, Gabriel
Venue: Emirates Stadium
Competition: Premier League
Standing: Arsenal draw level on points with Manchester City
Key performer: Gabriel (8/10) dominated defensively and scored a second-half header

Confirmed line-ups

Arsenal (4-3-3)

Starting XI: David Raya; Ben White, Ezri Konsa, Gabriel, Myles Lewis-Skelly; Declan Rice, Mikel Merino, Martin Odegaard; Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Viktor Gyokeres

Substitutes: Bruno Guimaraes, Riccardo Calafiori, Kai Havertz, Martin Zubimendi, Max Dowman

Selection notes

Arsenal made five changes from their previous outing, as reported in our earlier coverage. The starting XI featured a blend of experience and youth, with Myles Lewis-Skelly earning a start at left-back. The substitutes list included first-team regulars Bruno Guimaraes and Kai Havertz, alongside Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Zubimendi and academy prospect Max Dowman.

The numbers

Arsenal goals: 2 (Konsa, Gabriel)
Everton goals: 0
Set-piece drought ended: Konsa's opener ended a run of 13 matches without a set-piece goal for Arsenal
Player ratings: Gabriel 8/10, Konsa 8/10, Lewis-Skelly 8/10, Odegaard 8/10, Raya 7/10, Rice 7/10, Gyokeres 7/10, White 6/10, Merino 6/10, Madueke 6/10, Eze 6/10; substitutes all 6/10

Gabriel and Konsa set the tone as Arsenal's defence delivers again

Gabriel produced another commanding performance, dominating Everton's Thierno Barry physically, attacking challenges with conviction and capping his display with a powerful second-half header. His partnership with Ezri Konsa has become the foundation of Arsenal's defensive resilience, and Konsa himself opened the scoring to end a surprising 13-match run without a set-piece goal. Beyond his goal, Konsa's pace and positional awareness helped neutralise Everton's attacking threat.

Myles Lewis-Skelly also impressed, offering composure in possession and the confidence to escape pressure in difficult areas, providing further evidence of Arsenal's defensive depth. David Raya was largely comfortable, though a moment of hesitation and a misplaced header from Ben White briefly offered Everton encouragement.

In midfield, Martin Odegaard rediscovered his creative influence, earning an 8/10 rating, while Declan Rice delivered a solid 7/10 performance. Up front, Viktor Gyokeres failed to register a shot but delivered a performance that should encourage Arteta, with improved hold-up play and intelligent touches creating opportunities for teammates.

Why Arteta trusts Konsa and Gabriel over rotation

The decision to keep Ezri Konsa and Gabriel together at the heart of defence is paying dividends. Konsa's mobility complements Gabriel's physical dominance, allowing Arsenal to defend high and aggressive. Gabriel's man-marking of Thierno Barry was a case study in controlled aggression, and his header for the second goal underlined his threat from set pieces. Arteta's back line has become one of the most reliable in the league, and the understanding between the two centre-backs is central to that.

In midfield, Martin Odegaard looked back to his creative best, knitting play together and finding pockets of space. His link-up with Eberechi Eze and Noni Madueke in the wide areas gave Arsenal varied attacking angles. The introduction of Bruno Guimaraes and Kai Havertz from the bench added control and fresh legs, while Max Dowman gained valuable minutes.

Viktor Gyokeres may not have had a shot, but his improved hold-up play and intelligent touches were crucial in bringing others into the game. His growing understanding of Arsenal's attacking system is a promising sign for the remainder of the season. With Gabriel commanding defensively, Odegaard rediscovering his influence and Gyokeres becoming increasingly involved, Arteta has plenty of reasons for optimism.

Talking points

Arsenal's defence has now kept another clean sheet, but was Everton's attacking threat too easily neutralised? The Toffees offered little resistance.
Viktor Gyokeres failed to register a shot yet earned a 7/10 rating. Is that a sign of a complete striker or a concern about Arsenal's No.9?
Konsa's goal ended a 13-match set-piece drought. Should Arsenal be more reliant on set pieces given their height and physicality?
Arsenal are level on points with Man City. Is this the most convincing title challenge of Arteta's tenure?

What happens next

Arsenal will look to maintain their momentum in their next Premier League fixture, with the exact opponent and date to be confirmed. The Gunners are now level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table, and the title race is poised for a thrilling conclusion. Arteta's side must maintain this consistency against stronger opposition if they are to sustain their challenge.

Frequently asked questions

Who scored in Arsenal's 2-0 win over Everton?

Ezri Konsa and Gabriel scored the goals for Arsenal in their 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium.

What were Arsenal's player ratings vs Everton?

Gabriel, Ezri Konsa, Myles Lewis-Skelly and Martin Odegaard all received 8/10. David Raya, Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres got 7/10, while Ben White, Mikel Merino, Noni Madueke and Eberechi Eze were rated 6/10.