Arsenal’s set-piece goals provide a key boost for 2026

Arsenal tightened the pressure on Manchester City at the top of the Premier League with a 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates, courtesy of goals from Ezri Konsa and Gabriel. The win left Mikel Arteta’s side level on points with City as the title race continues to tighten.

Two set-piece goals decide the match

Konsa broke the deadlock in the seventh minute, finishing from a well-worked wide set-piece, and Gabriel headed home in the 68th minute to seal the win. Both goals came from Arsenal centre-backs, a reminder of the efficacy of the club’s rehearsed routines from dead-ball situations. The result marked the first time two Arsenal centre-backs had scored in the same Premier League match since February 2024, when William Saliba and Gabriel both found the net in a 6-0 win over West Ham United.

Konsa and Gabriel: set-piece specialists

Konsa’s strike emerged from precise box movement and a well-delivered cross from a wide set-piece. Gabriel’s header demonstrated his aerial threat and timing, reinforcing his reputation as a reliable threat on deliveries into the penalty area. With both defenders contributing, Arsenal now have multiple routes to goal from corners and free-kicks.

Tactical context and immediate impact

The win was as much about defensive solidity as it was about the goals. Arsenal combined strong set-piece execution with containment of Everton, producing a clean sheet and a comfortable margin. The result was particularly significant after Manchester City’s surprise defeat earlier in the weekend, which allowed Arsenal to move level with City at the Premier League summit.

Arteta has placed heavy emphasis on dead-ball preparation, with Nicolas Jover directing routines that aim to create clearer patterns inside the box. The goals against Everton, along with solid defending, suggest this approach is paying dividends through the current campaign.

Background: a rare scoring moment for Arsenal’s centre-backs

The match highlighted a familiar theme from recent seasons: centre-backs acting as attacking outlets and the ongoing importance of set-piece efficiency. The last time Arsenal saw two central defenders score in a Premier League match was February 2024, when Saliba and Gabriel found the net in a lopsided win at the London Stadium. Konsa and Gabriel’s goals served as a timely reminder that decisive moments can come from unconventional sources.

What happens next

Arsenal will aim to build on this momentum as the season progresses. The dual threat from Konsa and Gabriel gives Arteta additional options when facing compact, defensively organized opponents. The coaching staff will be watched closely to see if they can sustain high-quality delivery from set-pieces and maintain clean sheets as the fixtures pile up.

With the campaign continuing across the Premier League and other competitions, small margins and decisive set-piece moments could prove pivotal in the run-in.

Source: Original report

Related: More Arsenal set-piece goals coverage