Viktor Gyokeres penalty earns Arsenal a vital 1-0 win at Everton as Artetas side return to the Premier League summit before Christmas title race drama unfolds.
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League with a narrow 1 0 win over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal from the penalty spot midway through the first half. The result moved Mikel Arteta’s side two points clear of Manchester City. Pressure had been on after City won earlier in the day.
Everton started with energy and pressed Arsenal high in the opening stages. The hosts looked organised and limited space between the lines. Arsenal struggled to settle and created little from open play. Chances were scarce during a scrappy opening spell.
The decisive moment arrived in the 27th minute from a set piece. Jake O’Brien handled Declan Rices corner inside the area under pressure. The referee pointed to the spot after VAR confirmation. Gyokeres stepped up and struck the penalty firmly past Jordan Pickford.
It was a calm finish in a tense moment. The goal gave Arsenal control despite their slow start. Everton continued to compete but lacked a cutting edge. The home crowd reacted with frustration after falling behind.
Arsenal led at the break despite recording few clear chances. Everton failed to register a shot on target in the first half. David Raya was rarely tested as Arsenal protected their lead calmly. The visitors focused on control rather than tempo.
Declan Rice and Martin Zubimendi dictated play in midfield. Arsenal recycled possession and reduced risk. Everton struggled to progress the ball cleanly into attacking areas.
Arsenal threatened more after the restart and should have extended the lead. Leandro Trossard struck the post after a sweeping move on the counter. Martin Zubimendi then hit the woodwork from close range following Bukayo Sakas cut back. Those misses kept Everton in the contest.
Everton showed more urgency in the final third. They committed bodies forward and forced deeper defending. Arsenal remained compact and avoided unnecessary fouls.
Everton pushed forward late and appealed for a penalty of their own. William Saliba challenged Thierno Barry inside the box during a clearance attempt. VAR checked the incident but no foul was given. The decision frustrated the home crowd and bench.
Arsenal saw out the final minutes with discipline. Their back line held firm under pressure. Raya dealt confidently with late deliveries into the box.
Arsenal finished with higher expected goals despite limited shots. They produced 1.8 xG from 13 attempts compared to Everton’s 0.2 from five shots. Everton failed to register a first half shot. Arsenal have now won 18 straight league games when leading. Gyokeres remains perfect from the spot in league football overall.
This was not a polished Arsenal performance but it was an effective one that saw them return to the top of the Premier League table heading into Christmas. Gyokeres delivered under pressure and the defence stayed compact. Artetas side showed patience and maturity away from home. These narrow wins can shape title races.
Arsenal return to action on Tuesday, December 23rd with a Carabao Cup quarter final against Crystal Palace. They then face a busy festive league schedule with Brighton next on December 27th and Aston Villa on December 30th. Everton remain in the bottom half and need attacking reinforcements. David Moyes side travel to Burnley in their next league match on December 27th.
