Nigeria’s international, Alex Iwobi, in the 21th minute provided a cross that led to Everton’s first goal in the 2-1 win over Arsenal at the Goodison Park on Saturday.
The former Arsenal forward’s drive upfront paid off when he teed up Dominic Calvert-Lewin, whose header was eventually ruled a Rob Holding own-goal.
Mikel Arteta’s side drew level, against the club he once played for, through a Nicolas Pepe penalty in the 35th minute, awarded after a Tom Davies foul on Ainsley Maitland-Niles.
But the Toffees restored their advantage on the stroke of halftime, when Yerry Mina timed his run to perfection to angle in a near post header from a Gylfi Sigurdsson corner.
With the 2-1 defeat, Arsenal who have had a dreadful season are five points above the relegation zone, while Everton move up to second place.
Everton keeper Jordan Pickford had to make a last gasp save to keep out a close-range effort from Bukayo Saka as Carlo Ancelotti’s side picked up their third win in a row.
Everton are second, on 26 points, five behind leaders Liverpool while the Gunners, who have just four wins from 14 matches, are 15th on 14 points.