Arsenal have guaranteed they will sit atop 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 Victor Gyokeres, a result that sees them finish the weekend as the division's pace-setters.
A Decisive Moment of Madness
The match's pivotal moment arrived in the 27th minute at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. Everton defender Jake O'Brien, under pressure from Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori, inexplicably handled a corner kick with both arms raised high. Referee Sam Barrott, after consulting VAR, pointed to the spot. Victor Gyokeres stepped up and blasted his penalty straight down the middle, scoring his first goal in six games and maintaining his perfect record from the spot in the league since 2023.
Everton manager David Moyes was left aggrieved by another key decision later in the game when William Saliba's kick on Thierno Barry was not deemed a foul by VAR, denying the Toffees a potential equalising penalty. However, the home side offered little attacking threat beyond that controversy, missing the influence of injured star Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and several Africa Cup of Nations absentees.
Arsenal's Professional Display
Mikel Arteta's side, who have now won all 19 matches this season in which they have taken the lead, managed the game professionally after going ahead. They were rarely troubled by a depleted Everton midfield, where Tim Iroegbunam and James Garner focused on stifling Declan Rice and Martin Odegaard. Arsenal's control was such that their penalty was one of only two shots they managed on target throughout the contest.
Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both struck the same post in the second half, but the single goal proved sufficient. This victory marks only Arsenal's fourth win in 28 Premier League visits to Merseyside, a statistic that underscores the significance of the three points in their title pursuit.
Title Credentials Face Ultimate Test
While securing the symbolic 'Christmas number one' spot for the third time in four years is a psychological boost, Arsenal are acutely aware that the true examination of their championship mettle begins now. The club has not converted a Christmas lead into a Premier League title since their iconic 2003-04 Invincibles season.
The immediate focus shifts to a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday. However, the looming challenge is to sustain this form into the new year and finally end a two-decade wait for the league crown. For Everton, the defeat in their biggest home game since moving to the Hill Dickinson Stadium was a disappointment, with the pre-match pyrotechnics ultimately providing more spark than their performance.
