Recap

Arsenal edge Everton in hard-fought clash at the Emirates

Arsenal continued their unbeaten start to the Premier League season with a 2-1 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium, thanks to a standout display from Ryan Gravenberch.

The 22-year-old Dutch midfielder etched his name into the history books, becoming the youngest player to score and assist in this fixture. Gravenberch opened the scoring in the 10th minute, timing his run perfectly to hook home after meeting Mohamed Salah’s clever cross.

Hugo Ekitike, preferred over Alexander Isak in the starting XI, doubled Arsenal’s advantage before the half-hour mark. Released by another pinpoint Gravenberch pass, the French striker slotted calmly beyond Jordan Pickford to underline his growing influence in the side.

Everton, however, refused to fold. Idrissa Gueye halved the deficit in the 58th minute, slamming home after Iliman Ndiaye cushioned Jack Grealish’s delivery into his path. The goal sparked a tense second half as David Moyes’ men pushed for an equaliser.

Despite the pressure, Arsenal held firm. Substitute Florian Wirtz nearly restored the two-goal cushion, only to be denied by James Tarkowski’s last-ditch intervention, while Ibrahima Konaté’s powerful header was heroically blocked by Grealish.

The Toffees surged forward late on, throwing on fresh legs in Tyler Dibling and Carlos Alcaraz, but their best chance came when Grealish blazed over with the clock ticking down.

For Mikel Arteta, the performance was further proof of Arsenal’s growing maturity. Having relied on late drama in earlier matches, his side showed composure to manage the derby after being pegged back. The Gunners’ victory makes it five wins from five, cementing their place at the summit.

Everton, meanwhile, will be left ruing a sluggish first half and their inability to turn second-half pressure into points. They head into the EFL Cup looking to bounce back against Wolves, while Arsenal turn their attention to Southampton in midweek before a tricky trip to Crystal Palace.