Viktor Gyökeres demonstrated nerves of steel, converting a first-half penalty to secure a 1-0 victory for Arsenal against Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. The win propelled the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League, ensuring they would be Christmas number one for the third time in four years.
Manchester City had briefly overtaken Arsenal earlier in the day with a 3-0 win over West Ham, but Arsenal responded, displaying title-winning character to reclaim the coveted top spot. The match itself was a gritty affair, with Arsenal being more efficient than impressive against an Everton side missing key players.
The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Everton defender Jake O'Brien was penalized for a handball inside the box following a VAR check. O'Brien inexplicably used both hands to push the ball away from Riccardo Calafiori after a corner. Gyökeres stepped up and confidently blasted the penalty past Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, ending a five-match goal drought. According to Arsenal captain, Martin Ødegaard, Gyökeres insisted on taking the penalty.
The second half saw a more open and intense game. Arsenal came close to extending their lead, with Bukayo Saka having a shot cleared off the line by James Tarkowski. Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both hit the post. Everton, meanwhile, had appeals for two penalties turned down after Thierno Barry appeared to be fouled in the box, further fueling manager David Moyes' frustration. Despite Everton's increased pressure, Arsenal's defense held firm, denying the Toffees a single shot on target in the first 45 minutes.
Declan Rice was named man of the match. Mikel Arteta celebrated his sixth anniversary as Arsenal manager. He acknowledged the need for more convincing performances to maintain their position. Gyökeres acknowledged the importance of the win but stressed the season was far from over.
Arsenal's starting lineup included David Raya, Jurrien Timber, William Saliba, Piero Hincapie, Riccardo Calafiori, Martin Odegaard, Martin Zubimendi, Declan Rice, Bukayo Saka, Viktor Gyokeres and Leandro Trossard. Everton's lineup featured Jordan Pickford, Jake O'Brien, James Tarkowski, Michael Keane, Vitaliy Mykolenko, Timothy Iroegbunam, James Garner, Dwight McNeil, Carlos Alcaraz, Jack Grealish and Thierno Barry.
