Konsa and Gabriel strike as Arsenal end set-piece drought against Everton

Arsenal defender Ezri Konsa said it was only a matter of time before the team scored from a set-piece after their 2-0 Premier League win over Everton at Emirates Stadium.

Konsa opened the scoring with his first goal for the club, while Gabriel added the second in his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal. The result moved Arsenal to 21 points, level with Manchester City in second place, with City ahead on goal difference.

Everton remain ninth on 10 points.

“It’s a great feeling, as always, to keep a clean sheet and score a goal,” Konsa told English network PLP. “It was my first for the club, so it made the day excellent in every way.”

The defender said he had been waiting for the breakthrough for some time and had discussed the possibility with Arsenal’s set-piece coach before the match.

“I had been waiting for my first goal for a long time,” he said. “I spoke to the set-piece coach before the game and he told me he was waiting for my goal too, so it was fitting that I scored today.”

Arsenal had created a number of opportunities from dead-ball situations in their previous match against Bayern Munich, and Konsa said the players felt a goal was close.

“It is definitely important, especially after the Bayern Munich game, when we created some chances from set-pieces,” he added.

“As players, we felt it was only a matter of time before we scored from one, and today was the right occasion.”

The goal was Arsenal’s first from a set-piece in all competitions since their strike against Crystal Palace in May last season. It ended a run of 13 consecutive matches without scoring in that way.

Konsa also praised Gabriel after the Brazilian defender marked his 200th Premier League appearance for Arsenal with a goal.

“I am extremely happy for him,” Konsa said. “He is a top-class player and a great person as well, so I am very pleased with what he has achieved.”

“He has made my life easier since I joined the club, and it has been a pleasure to play alongside him.”

Gabriel’s goal was his 21st in 200 Premier League matches for Arsenal. Since making his competition debut in September 2020, he has scored at least three more Premier League goals than any other defender.

Konsa said Arsenal’s home form would be central to their ambitions, having experienced the difficulty of playing at Emirates Stadium as an opponent.

“I have come to Emirates Stadium for many years, and I know how difficult it is to play against us here, so I am not surprised,” he said.

“To be champions, you have to win matches consistently. This is our home, and we want to achieve as many victories here as possible.”