Arsenal moved level on points with Manchester City at the top of the Premier League standings after securing a comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Defenders Ezri Konsa and Gabriel Magalhaes scored in either half as Mikel Arteta's side capitalised on Manchester City's earlier 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa to reach 21 points from their opening eight league matches.
Konsa opened the scoring in the seventh minute before Gabriel doubled Arsenal's advantage midway through the second half, securing another important victory for the Gunners.
The hosts started aggressively, putting Everton under sustained pressure and winning three successive corners during the opening exchanges.
Their early dominance paid off when Konsa bundled the ball home at the back post following a corner, with Viktor Gyokeres credited with the assist.
It was the defender's first goal for Arsenal and the club's first goal from a set-piece in the Premier League this season.
Everton attempted to respond through James Garner and Tyrique George, but goalkeeper David Raya remained alert to preserve Arsenal's advantage.
The Gunners continued controlling proceedings, creating numerous opportunities as Everton struggled to contain their attacking movement.
Noni Madueke, operating on the right wing in the absence of injured Bukayo Saka, caused problems for the visitors with his pace and direct running.
The England international had a promising opportunity to extend Arsenal's lead after being released by Declan Rice, but failed to convert.
Arsenal entered the interval with a deserved 1-0 advantage after registering 13 attempts on goal and winning 10 corners during the opening half.
Arteta's side maintained their attacking intensity after the restart, with Eberechi Eze also providing a threat from the left flank.
The hosts eventually doubled their advantage in the 68th minute when Ben White delivered an inviting cross into the penalty area.
Gabriel rose to meet the delivery and powered a header into the net, giving Arsenal a commanding two-goal lead.
Everton continued searching for a response, but their attacking opportunities remained limited against an organised Arsenal defence.
Thierno Barry came close to reducing the deficit, but Raya produced an important save to deny the Everton forward.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall also threatened late in the contest, directing a header narrowly wide as the visitors attempted to find a way back into the match.
However, Arsenal remained in control and protected their advantage until the final whistle.
The victory was particularly encouraging for Arteta, whose side were playing their first match since Saka suffered a quadriceps injury expected to keep him sidelined for at least six weeks.
Madueke's performance offered a positive indication of Arsenal's attacking options during Saka's absence, while Konsa and Gabriel demonstrated their importance at both ends of the pitch.
Arsenal's renewed threat from set-pieces will also please Arteta after the team failed to score from such situations during their opening seven league matches.
The Gunners were particularly effective from dead-ball situations last season, scoring 25 Premier League goals from set-pieces excluding penalties, including a record 19 from corners.
For Everton manager David Moyes, the defeat extended his difficult record in league visits to Arsenal, with the Scottish coach still searching for his first away Premier League victory against the Gunners.
The visitors were without Jack Grealish because of illness and struggled to match Arsenal's attacking quality despite showing defensive organisation during periods of the contest.
Arsenal's victory keeps them firmly in the early title race as they move level with Manchester City on 21 points, with the result further strengthening their momentum in the Premier League.
