Arsenal clawed their way back to the summit of the Premier League after a tense, controversial 1-0 victory over Everton, decided by a farcical handball that gifted Viktor Gyökeres the match-winning penalty.
On a night where flair took a back seat to resilience, Mikel Arteta’s side showed champions’ nerve to grind out three priceless points against stubborn hosts who refused to roll over. The win ensured the Gunners reclaimed top spot within hours of briefly surrendering it, avoiding what could have been a damaging psychological blow in the title race.
The decisive moment arrived in the first half when Everton defender Jake O’Brien inexplicably handled the ball inside the box, turning a tight contest on its head. After a VAR intervention spotted what the referee had missed, Gyökeres stepped up and smashed an unstoppable penalty past Jordan Pickford, silencing the home crowd and settling Arsenal nerves.
It was a landmark moment for Arteta too, coming on the sixth anniversary of his appointment as Arsenal manager. Slipping to second place at Christmas—especially after holding a healthy lead earlier in the season—would have been disastrous. Instead, Arsenal head into the festive period on top, exactly where they want to be.
Everton, managed by David Moyes, offered little going forward in the first half and struggled to cope with Arsenal’s disciplined defensive structure, expertly marshalled by the returning William Saliba. The hosts showed more fight after the break, but clear chances were rare as Arsenal absorbed pressure with growing maturity.
Despite controlling large spells, the Gunners made heavy weather of the contest. Chances were few and far between, and the visitors failed to put the game to bed when opportunities arose. Yet this was less about style and more about substance—an away win built on organisation, patience and mental toughness.
Gyökeres’ goal may have come from the spot, but its significance was immense. Ending a personal goal drought, the striker delivered when it mattered most, ensuring Arsenal stayed ahead of their title rivals as the pressure intensifies heading into the festive run.
As the Premier League race tightens, nights like this could define the season. It wasn’t pretty, but Arsenal will not care. With the table taking shape and challengers circling, Arteta’s men proved they can win ugly—and that may be the difference between contenders and champions.
Photos courtesy of sun football
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