FT: Arsenal 2-1 Everton

1. Arsenal move to top of the table
2. Giroud & Koscielny both with headers
3. Barkley with deflected 20-yard strike
4. Barry sees red seconds before full-time

See you for MOTD social...

And as Hector Bellerin sums up Arsenal's week - a week Arsene Wenger has just described as "perfect" - we will leave you for the day.

A reminder we will run a live text on Match of the Day from 22:15 BST and it will give you all the best stats and extras to compliment the show.

There's a tonne of matches tomorrow - live texts to cover them all off here. And, whatever you do, put your clocks back overnight.

Over and out. Thanks for all your contributions today.

Get involved

Get involved

A stat just reaching us here at BBC Sport towers...

Chelsea's start to the season is the joint worst in the Premier League era for any defending champions. Their points return is level with that of Blackburn at this stage in 1995-96. They only better Rovers on goal difference.

And Jose Mourinho's side are six points worse off than Manchester United were under David Moyes after 10 games.

Ouch indeed.

Run Toffees run...

BBC

Firstly, spare a thought for those Everton fans who were told in the stadium their late train to Merseyside was cancelled. The last one home now is 20:10 BST. In a nutshell, only read our live text if it's safe while you're legging it.

Secondly, Arsenal fans, what would you have thought if someone said you'd be 11 points clear of Chelsea after 10 games?

Wow.

'I'd rather watch him again'

Arsene Wenger is in his news conference and calls this a "massive" three points. He's also waxing lyrical about a certain German international and it's not Per Mertesacker...

Player reaction

Getty Images

Arsenal keeper Petr Cech: "It's been a great week and it was a difficult and important game today and you have to refocus. We've done very well against a very good Everton side.

"The second half we could have scored five goals but also it could have ended up 2-2 and I'm happy with my save to help us get three points."

Cech denied Gerard Deulofeu late on.

Top of the league? Why does it feel weird?

Getty Images

I know what you're thinking. Arsenal, the side questioned over their weak centre every season, are suddenly top of the pile.

Why does it feel a little odd? Perhaps it's the fact Arsene Wenger's side haven't topped the table since February 2014. 

Pinch yourself Arsenal fans! You aren't dreaming.

Manager reaction

Getty Images

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger: "At 2-1 we became a bit edgy. We gave a lot on Tuesday night (against Bayern Munich) and I thought it showed in the last 20 minutes. We couldn't score the third goal and Everton had chances - it could have gone both ways.

"When you win such a big game like they did on Tuesday it shows a lot about the mentality of your team. That’s why I'm very proud of my team because they’ve shown the ability to refocus.

"We have a lot of questions about our strikers but Theo Walcott is outstanding and Olivier Giroud is outstanding at the moment.

"We'll keep our humility and our desire to grow. We lost our first game of the season at the Emirates and no one would say we would be top of the table after that."

Get involved

Getty Images

A quick look at the images from this evening's match gives us a great view of the emotion involved with being a Premier League manager. Some tip-top facial expressions from the Everton boss.

Getty Images

Manager reaction

Everton manager Roberto Martinez: "I thought we shot ourselves in the foot in giving away such an easy two-goal lead. Arsenal were not creating any real threat. But I very much enjoyed the reaction - the personality and desire of wanting to get back.

"There's two important moments in the second half Petr Chech makes a save and Romelu Lukaku heads against the crossbar. There are many positives but clearly on the other side is giving up a soft two-goal lead.

"We're very concerned about Phil Jagielka. It's a knee injury - we don’t the extent of it, but that's the biggest negative today."

MOTD running order...

Match of the Day presenter Gary Lineker is about to discuss the running order for tonight's show on Facebook. Click here now to watch him give the low down.

The two stand-out players in this one were probably Ross Barkley and Mesut Ozil.

Getty Images

Ozil sometimes takes some stick for his contribution but he ran further than any Arsenal player today, linking expertly with Olivier Giroud, most notably for the first goal.

The German completed 88% of his 69 passes.

Player reaction

Arsenal's opening scorer Olivier Giroud reacts to the win: "When we are attacking we need to finish the action. We knew they played wll on the break and we were aware but their goal was a bit lucky because it deflected. It's nice to win this kind of game after a Champions League game.

On being chosen ahead of Theo Walcott: "The main thing is the team is doing well. That's the best thing for me. As long as we are winning I am pleased with that. Me and Theo have a good understanding. He was in good form, now it's me, so we try and bring our small cam to the big machine."

Were Arsenal the better side? Probably. They had 20 shots to Everton's 10 and shaded possession and territory.

The wait for a win away at Arsenal will be two decades by the time the blues play here again in the league.

BBC

Get Involved

FULL-TIME

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "It's important for Everton to get a win soon. It's a results orientated game. They were better second half but you have to take your chances. It's a good reaction, but you have do it for 90 minutes and it's the old what might have been. Everton keep giving teams a one-goal start and then they are chasing the game."

FULL-TIME

The pitch announcer goes big at the Emirates... "Arsenal two, Everton one, Arsenal go top of the league."

RED CARD

Gareth Barry trudges off toward the tunnel. A second yellow for a needless foul on Kieran Gibbs. His desire to launch one more attack made him desperate.

And that will be that, Arsenal get over the line.

Reuters

This is relentless, Everton break from that brilliant Brendon Galloway block and Romelu Lukaku will pull the trigger... no, a superb last-ditch tackle denies him.

Possession from Arsenal looks to just see this out but eventually they create an opening. Tim Howard gets sucked from his goal and the pull back leaves an open net but Brendon Galloway bravely blocks from Olivier Giroud.

HITS THE WOODWORK

BBC

If anyone deserves a goal  it's Mesut Ozil, he finds space and will fire left footed... strikes the outside of the post. It beat Tim Howard low down.

We will have four added minutes.

Kevin Mirallas works Petr Cech - a low save you;d expect him to make. On come Arouna Kone for the visitors and Kieran Gibbs for the home side. Alexis Sanchez departs for Gibbs. Arsene Wenger perhaps wants to take what he's got.

Getty Images

CLOSE!

A knockout blow by Arsenal... no. Mathieu Flamini - picked out by Alexis Sanchez - heads straight at Tim Howard from 10 yards. Away come Everton, it's a 17-second break and GERARD DEULOFEU MUST SCORE... saved by Petr Cech.

The counter-attack broke Deulofeu's way and 15 yards from goal he had time to pick a spot. There were bodies on the goal line but he will certainly finish tougher chances in his career.

Mesut Ozil creates his umpteenth opportunity for a teammate today, Mathieu Flamini fires wide from 20 yards.

The German has been superb, completing 86% of his 50 passes.

Reuters

Hector Bellrin collects a pass and bursts into a box. He resembles a ten-pin bowling ball as he crashes through a challenge or two but that will be a goal kick. 

The game is stretched a little now. There's another goal in it...

BBC Radio Merseyside

BBC

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "What a chance for Romelu Lukaku. Six inches lower that's a goal. The balls from out wide have really caused danger for Everton. They are really having a go here."

AND THERE IS THE CHANCE. Everton work a corner nicely and create more space to deliver a telling cross, Romelu Lukaku is on the end of it, 10 yards out, he hits the bar with his header. Petr Cech beaten. Arsenal fans, breathe. 

Around 11 minutes for the Gunners to hold on to take top spot.

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain off, Mathieu Flamini on.

Get involved

Stevey Gee Sings: This is a funny old game. It'll either be Arsenal 3-1 or a 2-2 draw. Anyones game though.

Jay: Can't see Everton holding on to Stones for too long. He'd walk into the Bayern Munich side today

Getty Images

In the last 10 minutes the Arsenal attacks have lessened and Everton are beginning to take an extra risk or two. The away side's possession is creeping up - now at around 44%. You get the feeling they have one more chance in them...

CLOSE!

Brendon Galloway nearly puts his name up in lights. The left-back creeps forward unnoticed to head wide at the back post. The angle was against him but it was a half chance as he was totally unmarked.

Getty Images

Not good news for away fans. As the match announcer at the Emirates tells fans the late train back to Merseyside has been cancelled and their final option will now be at 20:10 BST. That'll leave around 45 mins to dart across London. 

As you'd expect in football, the announcement was met with howls of laughter by unsympathetic home fans.

BBC

On comes Kevin Mirallas for Aaron Lennon. Mirallas has not played since being red carded against Swansea on 19 September. 

HITS THE WOODWORK

Again Mesut Ozil pulls the strings to find Olivier Giroud... he's in, 18 yards out, right of centre... hits the bar. Tim Howard was beaten and the ball crashes back out. There was a lot of work to do but Giroud did it expertly... well, almost.

Everton build pressure, first Seaums Coleman is well blocked off in the box but a loose pass by the home side leaves Ross Barkley with the chance to shoot right footed from 20 yards... gobbled up by Petr Cech. A yard either side and he may have had a testing save but it was routine.

Getty Images

A reminder it was January 1996 when Everton last won at Arsenal. John Major was UK prime minister.

They have work to do but it could happen.

There's a good pace to this game and still Everton look more than capable on the break. Their latest foray sees Ross Barkley open to a Gerard Deulofeu pass on the break but he cannot quite get his first touch right when 20 yards from goal.

Arsenal ahead on possession with 58% to 42%. This one is keeping the punter guessing.

AFP

His assist for the opener makes Mesut Ozil the creator supreme this season...

Getty Images

CLOSE!

Shades of Paul Gascoigne at Euro '96 as Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain fizzes a ball across the six-yard box but the Frenchman can't quite stretch enough to turn it home.

Reuters

Arsenal come again through Mesut Ozil and his cross is headed down to Olivier Giroud... chest... volley... save at the near post.

GREAT SAVE!

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, like a downhill skier slaloms through midfield bodies to create a three-against-two situation. He goes left to Alexis Sanchez who will race in on goal but Tim Howard is out expertly to dive at the forward's feet. Howard had to anticipate there to help his defenders and he did so with class.

Reuters

Everton have lost their captain. Phil Jagielka has gone down the tunnel after that knee issue and so on comes Ramiro Funes Mori. He passes the armband to Tim Howard.

Reuters

A bit of a worry here for Everton as Phil Jagielka looks to have hurt his knee. A 50-50 challenge with Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain has left the central defender in trouble and he's hobbling. He should be OK to continue.

Watch him closely

BBC

CLOSE!

Alexis Sanchez picks himself off the floor like a boxer from the canvas after toe poking an effort at the near post before being bundled over. It was a routine save for Tim Howard but almost... almost a clear sight of goal. Seamus Coleman just had the legs to be a nuisance to the Chilean.

KICK-OFF

And we go again. Everton attack the end of the ground where their travelling supporters sit. Remember they have not won at Arsenal since 1996. A big ask...

Everton fan wearing swimming trunks

The image needs no words. 

Reuters

Get involved

Nick in Burnley: Are Ross Barkley's deflected goals that lucky, or is he that good that he purposely uses the player to deflect his shot off, thus fooling the goalkeeper from saving his shot..(See his goal for England the other month as further evidence)

As the players emerge for the second period, we can take a look at Ross Barkley's contribution. He's so pivotal to Everton now and with 30 touches, saw more of the ball than any other player in blue.

He completed 88% of his passes and of course got the goal. 

BBC

Will John Stones sign a new contract at Everton?

Getty Images

He was the subject of a failed bid from Chelsea in the summer, but should John Stones commit his future to Everton? The subject was discussed on BBC Radio 5 live.

“I would sign a new contract because he will still be sold in the future," said Jermaine Jenas. "Everton rate him as more than a £30m player but they are not paying him like one.

"They will give him a new contract, he will probably play for Everton for a couple of seasons and he will still go."

Stones was decent enough in the opening period, three tackles, one interception. It was Phil Jagielka caught on his heels for the opener.

Here's the moment which has changed the dynamic somewhat at the interval.

Counter-attack, Gareth Barry, Gerard Deulofeu, Ross Barkley, bang, goal.

BB

Get Involved

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "It's about keeping that belief. You need a bit of luck, and Everton are back in the game. At 2-0 you wonder what is going to happen to Everton but Ross Barkley has taken the shot on and sometimes it's not going to fly in the top corner but you get rewarded for trying it."  

HALF-TIME

Just when it looked routine, a spanner in the Arsenal works. You've got to love this sport haven't you? 

The carrot of being league leaders is being temptingly dangled for Arsenal and after shading the early exchanges, two quick headers looked sure to give them the bounty today.

But can that wicked deflection for Everton's goal have meaningful impact. We are in the balance here...

We have two added minutes in this first half, Everton force a corner and have their tails up. Have they got time for it? Gerard Deulofeu with an out-swinger, headed away by Francis Coquelin and that will do us, go get a dry shirt on gents.

GOAL

Talk about a team-talk changer... Ross Barkley has just served up a right touch for Roberto Martinez.  The young midfielder roams forward on the break and doesn't have much support so his best bet is to whack one. 

He does, left-footed from around 20 yards and a wicked deflection leaves Petr Cech helpless. He's flapping in frustration as the ball looped away from him.

Game on!

Reuters

The double-whammy

Header one... Olivier Giroud...

BBC

Header two... Laurent Koscielny...

BBC

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "You have got to look at Tim Howard. It's four yards out and he's come flapping for it. He has to be anticipating a cross like that. If he can't punch a ball that's a few yards of him you've got to ask questions."

GOAL

Two minutes, two headers. "We are top of the league, say we are top of the league," rejoice the home fans.

Just one minute and 46 seconds between the headers. This time a set piece to the left of the Everton area sees Santi Cazorla whip in at pace and Laurent Koscielny nods in from around four yards. Tim Howard touched it but had no reaction time really. 

Reuters

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "That's why Olivier Giroud is in the side and he's taken it well. It was a great ball in from Mesut Ozil, but why Everton's players allowed him to go in on his left foot. You don't allow him come on to his stronger foot."

GOAL

BINGO. Arsenal are in business. Arsene Wenger's team selection is in business and Olivier Giroud is, yep, you guessed it... happy.

Mesut Ozil floats to the right flank, lifts his head and clips a delightful ball into Giroud who gets the run on Phil Jagielka and flicks a header home. It only needed a touch. Top of the league?

Getty Images

'Here's the story from A to Z'

Get

The last time Everton won at Arsenal arrived in 1996. Need a memory jog as to how long ago that was? Well the Spice Girls netted their first UK number one that year with 'Wannabe'. 

"I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna, I wanna really really really wanna zigazig ha."  

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain pops up on the left, he may have switched flanks. He finds Alexis Sanchez who gets bundled over 35 yards out. 

This is too far for a crack so much like for their opener on Tuesday night, the home side float the ball in. It's Mesut Ozil towards Laurent Koscielny but the flicked header is wide and Tim Howard need not dive and dirty his shirt.

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "John Stones should hit the target. It wasn't the best cross in the world, but with the conditions the Arsenal goalkeeper has palmed it. However, Stones just couldn't finish that."

CLOSE!

It's fairly even, Roberto Martinez will be thrilled with the way his players have settled. Brendon Galloway has been targeted at left-back but he wants to take a swipe back and shoots wide via a deflection.

The corner is worked short and Aaron Lennon crosses into the corridor of uncertainty... Petr Cech palms it into the six yard box... CHANCE... volleyed wide by John Stones. 

Wow. By no means easy but the best opening we've seen.

YELLOW CARD

Francis Coquelin, dives in, late, Brendon Galloway hurdles, Lee Mason goes to pocket, yellow, no complaints. 

Reuters

Get Involved

Arsene Wenger says no Christmas football in England would make him cry. He does not want a winter break. What - in this wonderful sport of ours - would make you shed tears? Tweet #bbcfootball.

BBC Radio Merseyside

Former Everton winger Ronnie Goodlass: "Arsenal have had a lot of possession but Everton are starting to grow into the game. The Everton midfielders are beginning to put their foot on the ball a bit more."  

As you'd expect so far? Arsenal possession, Everton happy to be tight.

BBC

Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain tries to drive into the box but gets dealt with on 18 yards, Alex Sanchez is slipped in at a tight angle and forces another corner - again Gabriel heads off target. 

They like it in the mixer

Getty Images

"Put it in the mixer."

Arsenal don't perhaps do this in the traditional heavy duty, here comes a high ball, kind of way, but they do see a lot of the ball in the opposition area.

They've had 329 touches in the oppositions' box this season before today's game, a high in the Premier League.

And for those who say the Gunners are too 'tippy-tappy', their fist goal against Bayern Munich this week perhaps shows they now have a rugged side too. A direct free-kick into the box created Olivier Giroud's opener. Have it.

CLOSE!

Brilliant stuff from Alexis Sanchez as he tracks all the way back to rob Seamus Coleman of the ball near the home penalty area. It launches an attack - route one from Arsenal - and Mesut Ozil is in in goal to fire wide. It was a clear opening but he may be relieved to see the flag up. It's adjudged the flick on by Olivier Giroud was achieved with a foul. 

Sanchez is purring, a gorgeous flick into Ozil in midfield follows.

Getty Images

The Gunners force a third corner in the opening stages but again it comes to nothing.

BBC

The focus is coming down the right flank.

BBC

When Arsenal play forward passes into the feet of Mesut Ozil or Olivier Giroud, there's a tight squeeze on the recipient of the ball as holding midfielders Gareth Barry and James McCarthy tighten the space.  

Ross Barkley has a big role today. Without the ball he will need to help stifle possession in midfield but he cannot leave Romelu Lukaku isolated. A balance needed.

Arsenal have their second corner of the game, again it's the right flank as they pressure young Brendon Galloway at left-back for Everton. He deflects behind, in it comes... Gabriel header... over.

PA

Get Involved

Getty Images

In light of Arsene Wenger saying an end to football at Christmas would see him cry, we want to know what would make you shed tears in your love affair with the beautiful game?

Did watching your kid's first game make you emotional? Is relegation painful enough to bring the waterworks? Tweet us on #bbcfootball or text 81111.

A Seamus Coleman cross is wayward and drifts for a goal kick and on the opposite flank, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain whips in a corner but Olivier Giroud cannot head at goal, it's 10 to 12 feet wide. He leaped with authority but headed it tamely off target.

'I'm dreaming of a busy Christmas'

Arsene Wenger probably went up in the estimations of many a football traditionalist on Friday when he declared the removal of festive football in England would see him cry.

"It is part of English tradition and English football," said Wenger. His comments arriving in the wake of Louis van Gaal calling the Christmas fixture pile up "evil".

Get

What more can we glean from Arsene's traditional side? Would Christmas be mulled wine, stuffed turkey and some Only Fools and Horses box set at his house? Does Arsene dream of a white Christmas?

Santi Cazorla into Mesut Ozil in midfield and the German's wonderful Cruyff turn and crisp pass isn't enough to build an attack of meaning. We have some early sparring, James McCarthy and Gareth Barry are spoiling in the middle but a heavy Francis Coquelin cross leaves the away side with no work to do, goal kick.

KICK-OFF

And so here we go. Can Arsenal lay down a real marker and show they can build on one big result with one which would take them top?

The pitch is wet and therefore slick, so can they zip the ball about - it should suit them. Everton, capable, hard working and with quality of their own, have much to do.

'Toffees must sharpen up'

Simon Brotherton

MOTD commentator at Upton Park

 "Arsenal have the chance to go top with a win, which would round off a memorable week in style after getting their Champions League campaign back on track against Bayern Munich on Tuesday.

"I was at Goodison Park last week and, while Manchester United were excellent in their 3-0 win, I also thought Everton were surprisingly poor.

"The Toffees will need to sharpen up as they look to win at Arsenal for the first time in 22 visits, a run stretching back almost 20 years.

"Everton are unbeaten away this season, but Arsene Wenger's side have won five of the last six in all competitions, scoring 17 goals in the process."

Who edges it?

Who gets the edge here? Could Arsenal switch Alexis Sanchez onto the right flank to get at the relatively inexperienced Brendon Galloway? Gerard Deulofeu - who scored for the Toffees here two seasons ago - will have to much in defensively from his wide berth you'd think on a day where you'd expect Arsenal to probe consistently.

Players are in the tunnel. A reminder of our team news if you're just joining us, Theo Walcott on the bench, Olivier Giroud in.

.

.

'How I'd like to be remembered'

"People ask me how I’d like to be remembered. I’ve had a good life and a fine career, both as a player and a manager.

"It would have been nice to have been able to have saved the best to last, like Bob Paisley and Alex Ferguson were able to do at their clubs, but that wasn’t to be.

"Yet I’ve had far more highs than I have had lows and possess some wonderful memories from my life in football.

"My wish is simple. I’d like to be remembered as someone who as a player and manager brought enjoyment to supporters.

"That’s all."

Getty Images

Some words printed in the Liverpool Echo taken from the book of their former columnist, Everton's most successful manager, the late Howard Kendall.

Kendall, who passed away last weekend, will be laid to rest on Thursday.

Final words...

The pitch at the Emirates - being soaked by rain - is void of players, final words of advice go into the ears of every player, what would Everton fans give to have the man in our next post delivering a team talk...

'Arsenal can win the Premier League'

Getty Images

Arsenal can of course go top of the Premier League tonight. They can't win it can they?

No title win since 2004 but Jermaine Jenas thinks the wait could soon be over.

“I fancy Arsenal to go a long way this year," said Jenas on BBC Radio 5 live. "I honestly believe they could win it and it’s wide open. They’ve never had a better chance.”

Gunners opt for Giroud

Arsenal

There's some big news in the Arsenal line-up as Gabriel is recalled at centre-back but more noteworthy - Theo Walcott is benched for Olivier Giroud.

Everton bring in Gerard Deulofeu for Steven Naismith in their only change from a 3-0 home defeat last time out.

Blues have steel (sometimes)

BBC

Everton are yet to win back-to-back games this season in the league and they were stuffed by Manchester United last time out.

Sitting mid-table isn't therefore perhaps too bad of a return and there are reasons for hope.

They've leaked just two goals on the road and have three clean sheets on their travels. To put it in perspective, they only had two shut outs away from home in all of last season. There's some steel there for sure, but can they show it more regularly?

Team news next...

Keep the faith Toffees

And building on that big win looks a real possibility, as the Gunners welcome an opponent they typically wallop in London...

BBC

George Michael's wonderful 'Jesus to a child' hit may not live long in the memory but kudos to anyone who can even remember anything about an Everton win at Arsenal.

January 1996, when George was banging out the hits, saw Andrei Kanchelskis net for the Toffees as they left Highbury with a 2-1 win.

The blues have had 21 attempts to repeat the feat since, losing 17, drawing four.

More George trivia? OK. He had another number one with 'Fast Love' that year but hasn't topped the charts since.

One win does not a season make

BBC

'When will Arsene Wenger sign a holding midfielder?'

'We need a top-class striker?'

'We never replaced Sol Campbell.'

The consistent, somewhat cliched criticisms of Arsenal looked thin and empty on Tuesday as the Gunners ended Bayern Munich's eight-game winning run.

It felt like a win of magnitude, no side has scored two against the Germans since Barcelona in May.

Kick on from here? Is this Arsenal's time? Or will inconsistency blight a league push and bring those tried and tested lines on radio phone-ins back into focus.

Welcome to our live page for Arsenal v Everton. We'll have text commentary here from 16:30 BST. You can keep up to date with all the build-up to today's games here.