Leandro Trossard scored the game-winning goal to give Arsenal a spirited 1-0 triumph over struggling Everton after the midpoint of the second half.
David Raya was chosen over Aaron Ramsdale in goal, surprising Mikel Arteta, despite Everton’s scant offensive threat giving the former Brentford No. 1 nothing to do.
At Goodison Park, the Gunners believed they had a first-half lead before a VAR review revealed Eddie Nketiah was offside during the buildup and Gabriel Martinelli guided a beautiful finish past Jordan Pickford.
Shortly later, Martinelli suffered an injury and was replaced by Trossard, who entered the fight. The Belgian international finished Bukayo Saka’s cutback in the 69th minute after expertly working a short corner.
With the victory, Arsenal now has 13 points after five games, moving them into a three-way tie for second place with Tottenham and Liverpool, two points behind champions Manchester City.
Everton, in comparison, has just one point from five games and, against the backdrop of off-field turmoil, Sean Dyche’s limited and unambitious club appear to be heading for a season of bleak struggle.
