Mikel Arteta celebrated his sixth anniversary as Arsenal manager from the Premier League summit after his side ground out a crucial 1-0 victory away to Everton. The win, secured by a Viktor Gyökeres penalty, immediately returned the Gunners to the top of the table following Manchester City's brief occupation of first place earlier in the day.
Controversial Penalty Decides Turgid Affair
The match at Goodison Park was a largely forgettable spectacle until a moment of madness from Everton defender Jake O'Brien broke the deadlock. The game had been marred early on by what was described as "poverty chanting" from the Arsenal away support, prompting stadium officials to display an advertisement for 'Fans Supporting Foodbanks' on the big screens in a pointed response.
The decisive incident arrived when O'Brien, under pressure from Arsenal's Riccardo Calafiori and Piero Hincapie, clearly handled the ball from a corner. Referee Sam Barrott initially missed the offence but was instructed to review the footage by the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). After consulting the pitch-side monitor, he had no option but to award a penalty.
Swedish striker Viktor Gyökeres stepped up and blasted an unstoppable spot-kick past England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, who guessed the right way but could not keep it out.
Arsenal's Control Fails to Yield Second Goal
With Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi commanding midfield, Arsenal controlled possession for long periods but struggled to create clear-cut chances. They came closest to doubling their lead in the second half.
Bukayo Saka saw a low shot blocked on the line by James Tarkowski after a superb combination with Jurriën Timber. Later, Leandro Trossard curled a fine effort against the far post, and Zubimendi struck the base of the same upright from Martin Ødegaard's cut-back.
Everton, severely hampered by the absence of the injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, who is at the Africa Cup of Nations, offered minimal threat. Their best hopes for an equaliser were two penalty shouts, both of which were reviewed and dismissed by VAR.
Arteta's Side Pass Gritty Character Test
While the performance was more efficient than exhilarating, the three points were vital for Arsenal's mentality. This victory ended a run of three league games without an away win and demonstrated the resilience required in a title race.
Mikel Arteta will know his team must produce more convincing displays to stay ahead of the relentless Manchester City. However, for now, he can reflect on a significant anniversary with his team once again sitting at the Premier League's pinnacle, their status as Christmas leaders firmly intact.
