Arsenal fell to a 0-2 defeat at home on Saturday evening, a result that flattered neither side in the opening exchanges but reflected Everton's greater composure when the game opened up after the interval.
The visitors took the lead through Cristhian Mosquera in the 38th minute, a well-worked move that Arsenal's defence failed to deal with cleanly. The home side pushed for an equaliser but found little way through a disciplined Everton shape.
David Moyes made his move on the hour, withdrawing Viktor Gyökeres and Gabriel Martinelli simultaneously, a double change that raised eyebrows given Arsenal's need for a goal. Whether the decision disrupted their rhythm or merely acknowledged it had already broken down, the effect was the same: Everton looked increasingly comfortable.
Thierno Barry doubled the lead on 69 minutes, finishing from close range after Arsenal failed to clear a corner. Piero Hincapié's withdrawal on 74 minutes, alongside Max Dowman entering, suggested Everton were prepared to manage the final quarter of an hour rather than chase anything further.
Merlin Röhl and Harrison Armstrong came on in the 86th minute as Arsenal threw on fresh legs, but the visitors held firm. Gyökeres added a third in stoppage time, and Tyrique George had the final touch of the evening in the 90th minute to complete a thorough away performance.
Arsenal's home record now looks far less dependable than it did a month ago.
Recap generated from the event timeline. Editorial team review by request. How we use AI.