Viktor Gyokeres Penalty Sends Gunners Top for Christmas

Viktor Gyokeres penalty seals hard-fought win as Arsenal reclaim Premier League summit at Everton.

Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League table with a gritty 1-0 victory over Everton, as Viktor Gyokeres’ first-half penalty proved enough to secure all three points at Hill Dickinson Stadium.

The result sends Mikel Arteta’s side into Christmas Day top of the league, ending a three-match away winless run and reinforcing Arsenal’s title credentials in a hostile Merseyside atmosphere. Crucially, the Everton vs Arsenal match report tells the story of control, resilience, and composure under pressure.

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Having briefly slipped behind Manchester City earlier in the day, Arsenal knew only a win would restore their lead — and they delivered, even if not always comfortably.

Everton started with intensity under returning manager David Moyes, but Arsenal gradually asserted authority. The visitors dominated possession, restricted Everton to no first-half shots, and posted an xG of 1.81 compared to Everton’s 0.2, underlining their control.

First Half: VAR Drama and Gyokeres Delivers

Arsenal struggled initially to find rhythm in the unfamiliar surroundings, but chances soon arrived. Martin Zubimendi fired over after a loose clearance, while Gyokeres glanced a header wide.

The decisive moment came in the 27th minute. Following Declan Rice’s corner, VAR intervened after Jake O’Brien was found to have handled the ball with both arms. After a lengthy review, the penalty was awarded.

Despite Bukayo Saka and Martin Ødegaard usually taking spot-kicks, Gyokeres stepped up confidently and powered his effort beyond Jordan Pickford. It marked his seventh goal for Arsenal and extended his perfect penalty record to 19 consecutive conversions, dating back to Sporting CP.

Everton offered little response, failing to test David Raya before the break.

Arsenal pushed for a second goal after the restart and came agonisingly close. Leandro Trossard curled an effort onto the post in the 64th minute following slick combination play involving Jurrien Timber and Ødegaard. Minutes later, Zubimendi struck the woodwork with a low drive.

Everton’s biggest moment arrived when William Saliba appeared to make contact with Thierno Barry inside the box. VAR reviewed the incident but waved play on, a decision that frustrated Moyes and the home crowd.

Despite late pressure and six minutes of added time, Arsenal remained composed. James Tarkowski denied Gabriel Martinelli late on, but the Gunners never lost control.

Standout Performances

Viktor Gyokeres: Calm, physical, and decisive. His penalty settled the contest and ended his scoring drought.

Bukayo Saka: Player of the Match. Constantly stretched Everton and created openings throughout.

William Saliba: Commanding at the back, helping Arsenal keep their first league clean sheet since October.

VAR Talking Points Dominate Discussion

VAR played a central role. Arsenal’s penalty was correctly awarded for a clear handball, while Everton felt aggrieved over the non-penalty decision involving Saliba.

Former Arsenal midfielder Jamie Redknapp described Arsenal as “fortunate” with the latter call, though the officials deemed the contact insufficient.

Post-Match Reaction

Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and composure:

“Very happy to win here. It’s a difficult place to come. The atmosphere was special, but the players showed control.”

David Moyes acknowledged Everton’s effort but lamented key moments:

“We were competitive, but didn’t quite have the quality in decisive moments.”

Gyokeres summed it up simply:

“It was tough on Merseyside. We could have scored more, but the three points are what matter.”

What This Result Means

Arsenal have now won every Premier League match this season when scoring first, a title-winning trait. They sit top at Christmas, firmly in control of their destiny.

Everton remain in the bottom half, still searching for consistency under Moyes.

For Arsenal, this was not flashy — but champions often win exactly like this.

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