Arsenal moved back to the top of the Premier League table after Viktor Gyokeres' penalty secured victory over Everton, though Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard spurned golden chances to extend the lead.
22:36, 20 Dec 2025
Viktor Gyokeres scored for Arsenal in their Premier League match with Everton
View 2 Images
Arsenal beat Everton on Saturday evening(Image: David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Arsenal reclaimed their spot at the top of the table, edging out Manchester City after a victory over Everton. This result ensures they'll be sitting pretty at the summit of the league come Christmas.
The Gunners were indebted to Jake O'Brien for a disastrous decision to raise his arms in the box, resulting in a penalty in the first half. Viktor Gyokeres stepped up to confidently convert from the spot. In the second half, Arsenal pushed forward as both Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi hit the post, with Bukayo Saka also having a shot thwarted by a last-minute interception.
Despite a game that should have been won by a wider margin, a tense finish ensued. However, Arsenal held their nerve and secured all three points. Here's how Daily Star Sport rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
Viktor Gyokeres smashes his penalty in
View 2 Images
Viktor Gyokeres scored the only penalty of the game(Image: AFP/Getty Images)
David Raya, 8 - Nearly caught off guard with the ball at his feet but managed to skillfully manoeuvre it around his opponent in the first half. He handled a barrage of aerial challenges and passes well throughout the match, reports Football London.
Jurrien Timber, 7 - Carried the ball forward effectively, often venturing into central areas and controlling the ball well. However, he occasionally seemed hesitant to push forward, like many of his teammates, opting for a backward pass when perhaps a bolder choice was available. As the game progressed, he too improved, making a superb tackle on Beto in the 76th minute to prevent a one-on-one situation.
William Saliba, 7 - His poor clearance resulted in an Everton corner, which he then cleared himself before making a superb tackle on Alcaraz in the box. He was perhaps a bit lucky not to concede a penalty after making contact with the back of Barry's foot.
Piero Hincapie, 6 - He opted for long passes a few times too many, prompting a reaction from Mikel Arteta on the sidelines. He somehow managed to avoid a booking when he halted a clear attack down the right.
Riccardo Calafiori, 7 - The Italian had a mixed game, filled with both impressive and frustrating moments. At times, he would deliver a great pass or make a good move, only to be caught out at other times. Despite this, he persevered and contributed to maintaining the clean sheet.
Martin Zubimendi, 7 - He was another player who perhaps played it a bit too safe, often choosing the less risky option. He had a bit of luck during a tussle with Thierno Barry as the striker broke through, but the incident was dismissed. He hit the post after being set up inside the box by his captain, with a curling shot that beat Pickford but not the woodwork.
Declan Rice, 7 - It was the England international's ball into the box that led to the corner. He delivered a perfectly timed pass in the box for Trossard, who should have capitalised on the opportunity.
Martin Odegaard, 7 - He found a couple of nice balls into the box in the first half, which came close to finding a teammate and required last-minute interceptions to prevent. He made a really poor pass to Gyokeres in the box just before the half-time whistle, squandering a good chance. Undoubtedly, his performance improved significantly in the second half. He was involved in the build-up for three major opportunities, two of which hit the post and a Saka chance that should have been better executed.
Bukayo Saka, 7 - Occasionally moved to the left-hand side and delivered some quality balls into the box, unfortunately, none were connected with. However, he shockingly missed an early opportunity in the second half, which should've given the Gunners a two-goal lead. He had another scoring opportunity when facing the final man Michael Keane, but his clean shot was blocked again.
Viktor Gyokeres, 7 - Delivered a good pass to Saka, leading to his first chance in the game, a flicked header around Jordan Pickford's right post. He was then brought down in the box just as he was about to tap-in, but no penalty was awarded. However, moments later, Martin Odegaard handed him the ball to take a penalty kick, and he didn't disappoint.
Leandro Trossard, 6 - Made a fantastic pass round the corner for Gyokeres to run clear, but sadly the Swede couldn't capitalise on it. He hit the post with a massive chance that he simply had to score.
Substitutes:
Gabriel Jesus, 6 - Replaced Viktor Gyokeres in the 65th minute. The impact was immediate as the Brazilian dropped in to help link play, increasing the frequency of the Gunners' chances.
Gabriel Martinelli, n/a - Came on for Leandro Trossard in the 80th minute. He provided pace but had little to do after coming on.
Article continues below
Mikel Merino, n/a - Substituted in for Martin Odegaard in the 88th minute. Came on too late to make an impact on the match.