Arsenal have guaranteed they will sit top of the Premier League table on Christmas Day after a hard-fought 1-0 victory away at Everton. The Gunners reclaimed their two-point lead over Manchester City thanks to a first-half penalty from striker Viktor Gyokeres, a win that came with a significant helping hand from Everton defender Jake O'Brien.
A Costly Moment of Madness
The decisive moment at the Hill Dickinson Stadium arrived in the 27th minute. After a VAR check, referee Sam Barrott pointed to the spot when Everton's Jake O'Brien inexplicably batted away a corner with both arms raised high above his head. Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and blasted the penalty straight down the middle, scoring his first goal in six games and maintaining his perfect record from the spot since 2023.
The penalty incident came just moments after O'Brien had survived another strong shout for a foul from Gyokeres. For Arsenal, who have now won all 19 of their matches this season after taking the lead, the gift was gratefully accepted. It was a bitter pill for Everton and manager David Moyes to swallow in the biggest game at their new stadium so far.
Everton's Struggles in Attack
Despite the controversial nature of the winning goal, Everton offered precious little threat to the Arsenal goal throughout the match. Depleted by the absence of Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gueye at the Africa Cup of Nations, and the injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, the home side lacked creativity.
Their best chance for a reprieve came when William Saliba kicked the foot of Thierno Barry in the Arsenal box, but after a VAR review, no penalty was given. Moyes's side managed only two shots on target all game, with Arsenal's defence, marshalled by Saliba and the advancing left-back Riccardo Calafiori, comfortably in control.
Arsenal could have extended their lead in the second half, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both striking the same post. However, the single goal proved sufficient on a day where the visitors were not required to hit top gear.
Title Credentials to be Tested
This victory marks the third time in four years that Arsenal have been Christmas number one, a psychological boost in the title race. However, the real test of their championship credentials will begin after the festive period. The club has not converted a Christmas lead into a Premier League title since their last triumph in 2004.
For Mikel Arteta, returning to a club he once played for, it was a professional, if unspectacular, away performance. Attention now briefly turns to the Carabao Cup, with a quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday, before the relentless league campaign resumes.
The result leaves Everton reflecting on a missed opportunity and a self-inflicted wound, while Arsenal march into Christmas as the team to catch, their destiny firmly in their own hands.
