Arsenal 2-1 Everton: 5 things we learned as the Gunners returned to the top of the Premier League

Arsenal continued their superb run of form with a narrow win over Everton .The Gunners, who beat Bayern Munich in memorable fashion in midweek, turned their attentions back to domestic matters at the Emirates. And after a slow start, Olivier Giroud nodded home a fine opener from Mesut Ozil's peach of a cross. Laurent Koscielny made it 2-0 shortly after but any hopes of a romp were dashed by Ross Barkley, whose deflected effort got the Toffees back into it.

Arsenal, though, saw the game out for three points. Here's what we learned:

1. European hangovers make it nervous

Arsenal were solid enough but lacked the spark and thrill of midweek. Why? Because big Champions League wins like against Bayern Munich take it out of players both mentally and physically. As Arsenal desperately try to cling on to their chance of Champions League qualification, there may be more weeks like this. Arsenal weren’t at their best but important to get the job done.

2.Brendan Galloway can play for England

Everton boss Roberto Martinez has been raving about 19-year-old Galloway - and no wonder. The left back, signed from MK Dons last year, has got power, pace and loves to drive forward. His name makes him sound like he should play for Republic of Ireland. But not only is he deputising nicely for Leighton Baines, but he is a genuine England prospect for the future.

3. Gerard Deulofeu is super - but a supersub

I think I fell in love with the Spanish winger when he scored a wonder goal for Everton at the Emirates in December 2013.I couldn’t believe that he hadn’t made more of an impact in that first loan spell or since joining Everton permanently from Barcelona last summer. But sadly Deulofeu’s pace and trickery maybe makes him better suited to coming off the bench rather than sustaining a strong display for 90 minutes. And his blatant, embarrassing dive in the first half did him no favours either.

4.Mesut Ozil is a joy

OK, sorry. We didn’t learn this. We already knew it. But this was a reminder. Some of his passing (including a beautiful reverse pass) was a joy. But the delivery for Arsenal’s opener was the best. Up until that point, it had been a tight game and Everton were hard to break down. Ozil’s curling free kick teased the Everton defence, Olivier Giroud rose high and his back header drifted into the far corner. A lovely goal, made by Ozil .

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5. Arsenal can be champions

I’ve still got my doubts. But can they win it? Yes, definitely. Will they? Might still depend on the depth of their squad and whether injuries bite. But this was a big game for Arsenal. A chance to go top but a hard game against a good team after a tough, gruelling game in midweek. But they responded with a victory which was a message of intent and shows they are genuine contenders.