Arsenal have reclaimed top spot in the Premier League and guaranteed they will be Christmas number one after a narrow but crucial 1-0 victory over Everton at the Emirates Stadium on Friday night.
Gyokeres Holds His Nerve From The Spot
The decisive moment of a tense encounter arrived in the first half, gifted to the Gunners by Everton defender Jake O'Brien. The centre-back was penalised for a handball inside the area, presenting Viktor Gyokeres with the opportunity from twelve yards. The Swedish striker made no mistake, sending Jordan Pickford the wrong way to score what proved to be the winning goal.
Mikel Arteta's side dominated possession and created the clearer chances throughout the match. They were left to rue hitting the woodwork twice in the second period, with efforts from Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both coming back off the post. Bukayo Saka also spurned a golden opportunity to double the lead, denied by a last-ditch block.
Solid Defence Secures Vital Clean Sheet
At the other end, Arsenal's defence stood firm to protect their slender advantage. Goalkeeper David Raya commanded his box expertly, dealing with a series of Everton crosses, and was rarely called upon to make a serious save. The clean sheet was a collective effort, though not without a scare when William Saliba's challenge on Thierno Barry sparked penalty appeals from the visitors that were waved away.
The result moves Arsenal three points clear of Manchester City, who play later this weekend, and ensures they will sit at the Premier League summit on Christmas Day. For Sean Dyche's Everton, it was a battling display but a defeat that leaves them hovering closer to the relegation zone.
How The Arsenal Players Rated
David Raya (8/10): A calm and commanding presence. Excellent in dealing with aerial threats and smart with his distribution.
Jurrien Timber (7/10): Grew into the game, showing good drive from defence. Made a crucial tackle to deny Beto late on.
William Saliba (7/10): Generally solid but had one or two nervy moments. Made a vital block in the box.
Piero Hincapie (6/10): A mixed performance. Some loose passing and was fortunate to avoid a booking for a tactical foul.
Riccardo Calafiori (7/10): Flashed moments of quality but was inconsistent. Helped secure the clean sheet.
Martin Zubimendi (7/10): Played it safe for large parts but was unlucky not to score with a fine curled effort that hit the post.
Declan Rice (7/10): Provided the assist for the corner that led to the penalty and was a steadying influence in midfield.
Martin Odegaard (7/10): Started slowly with a poor pass before the break but was instrumental after half-time, creating several big chances.
Bukayo Saka (7/10): A constant threat and delivered good crosses, but will be disappointed he didn't take his big chance to score.
Viktor Gyokeres (7/10): The match-winner. Held the ball up well, won the penalty, and converted it with immense composure.
Leandro Trossard (6/10): Provided a superb pass for Gyokeres but missed a huge opportunity himself, hitting the post from close range.
Substitutes: Gabriel Jesus (6/10) linked play well after coming on. Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino were introduced too late to be rated.
