Arteta hails Arsenal mentality after 2-0 win over Everton

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his players’ mindset after a 2-0 Premier League victory over Everton on Saturday, a result that moved the Gunners level on points at the top of the table. The win came at the end of a gruelling week that included a draw at Bayern Munich and a victory at Nottingham Forest.

“I'm very happy,” Arteta said. “It was a really difficult game, considering where we're coming from: Forest on Sunday, Wednesday night in Munich, coming back very late on Thursday, and having to play a very tough opponent like Everton.”

Both goals came from set pieces, answering a recent concern for Arteta. “We hadn't scored from a set-piece, which we were disappointed with because we generate so many chances,” he said. He added that Arsenal should have scored at least two from dead-ball situations against Bayern Munich.

Ezri Konsa opened the scoring with his first goal for the club, before Gabriel returned to the pitch after appearing to pick up an injury and added a second on his 200th Premier League appearance. Ben White, playing his 200th game for Arsenal in all competitions, provided the assist for Gabriel’s goal. It was White’s third assist of the season.

Arteta praised Konsa’s quick adaptation after joining without a pre-season, as well as his developing partnership with Gabriel. “His personality, his aura — I think he has something about him which makes him click immediately with the club, the team, the staff,” he said.

Of Gabriel’s performance, Arteta added: “Gabi was unbelievable. The way he overcomes that situation with his willingness to go again and to score that goal — it's a great description of what he is as a player and as a leader in this club.”

Arteta also highlighted Ben White’s growth: “He's matured a lot from the Ben that we knew from a few years ago to Ben now. It's just an immense transformation at every level, and we're lucky to have him.”

Noni Madueke has had more opportunity with Bukayo Saka and Christos Tzolis injured. Arteta praised the winger’s availability but urged greater consistency: “I'm very impressed, and to have that availability with him is really necessary. I like him, and if he continues to transform his capacity to be more consistent in actions, he's an unbelievable player.”

Arteta said Riccardo Calafiori was rested as a precaution because of a minor issue, while William Saliba remained unavailable through injury.

Arsenal have now won 11 of their 13 games across all competitions this season, maintaining an impressive start under Arteta.