“A big win” – Arteta delighted as rotated Arsenal ease past Everton

Mikel Arteta shuffled his pack for Everton’s visit and was delighted with his players’ response as Arsenal eased to a 2-0 victory after their midweek exertions in Munich. Centre-backs Ezri Konsa and Gabriel did the damage. The new boy struck early to claim his first goal for the club, before the Brazilian headed home a Ben White cross midway through the second half as the Gunners coasted home in the rain.

Speaking to BBC Match of the Day , Arteta said: “It’s a big win for us. It was a tough week, the schedule that we had to go through, the amount of minutes and the games, were coming thick and fast. “We knew that we had a very good opponent in front of us, but I think overall we have a really good performance, won the game and fully deserve to win it as well.” Asked about making five changes and still collecting the three points, he continued: “Delighted.

I think we were, for the most part, the better team and we dominated the game. “Everton had their spells, like is usual as well. They have a lot of threat.

But yeah, the fact we changed five players and still played at that level, it’s impressive.” Before his goal, Gabriel had looked more likely to leave the pitch than get on the scoresheet. He landed awkwardly while clearing the ball and needed lengthy treatment, with Cristhian Mosquera stripped and ready to replace him.

Thankfully, he was able to continue and soon gave Everton cause to wish he hadn’t. “By the reaction of his teammates, it was a really worrying action,” reflected Arteta. “We know, Gabi, how tough and strong he is, and he seems to be okay.” There was also time for a joke about Arsenal finally scoring from a set piece this season.

Having previously been so prolific from dead-ball situations that it became a stick to beat us with, the manager was happy to oblige those who’d apparently been missing them. “Yes, I hope now people are enjoying it, because they’ve been saying that we don’t score from a set play! So we did.

I’m really happy for the team to find different ways to unlock the position and create problems.” A cursory glance at the Premier League table shows Arsenal level on points with Manchester City at the top. Squint a little and you can see the asterisk next to their name, indicating they are both cheats and awaiting punishment.

It’s a sideshow we’ll have to live with for a few more months. In the meantime, Arsenal have three more points, a clean sheet and every reason to feel they should have won by a bigger margin.