Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal of the game for Arsenal against Everton to ensure they remained at the top of the Premier League at Christmas
08:44, 22 Dec 2025
Viktor Gyokeres has struggled for goals since joining Arsenal but bagged one from the penalty spot against Everton
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Viktor Gyokeres has struggled for goals since joining Arsenal but bagged one from the penalty spot against Everton(Image: Getty Images)
Arsenal's grip on the Premier League top spot was restored with a nervy 1-0 win over Everton for Mikel Arteta's men.
Although Manchester City did briefly occupy first place after their 3-0 triumph over West Ham, it was the Gunners who finished the week at the summit, courtesy of their slender 1-0 away victory. The three points ensure they stay two points ahead of Pep Guardiola's team and have now secured the top spot at Christmas for the fifth time, although they have failed to clinch the title on the previous four occasions.
It was Viktor Gyokeres ' penalty that made the difference at Hill Dickinson Stadium, but the striker still faced criticism despite his match-winning goal. With the Gunners able to savour the festive period at the top, here's all the latest news from the Emirates and the club's quest to end a 22-year title drought.
Gyokeres' penalty explanation
Viktor Gyokeres of Arsenal celebrates scoring his team's first goal during the Premier League match against Everton
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Viktor Gyokeres scored Arsenal's winner against Everton(Image: (Photo by Ben Roberts - Danehouse/Getty Images))
While the three points were the most crucial result for Arsenal on Saturday evening, Gyokeres ending his five-match goal drought was certainly a welcome bonus. In what was his fifth league goal of the season, following Jake O'Brien's handball from Declan Rice's corner, the Swedish striker maintained his 100% record from the spot as an Arsenal player, reports the Mirror.
Given the Gunners have rotated penalty duties in recent seasons, with Saka netting two penalties this term and Martin Odegaard scoring three penalties in the last three seasons, Gyokeres explained the decision that led to him taking on the task against Jordan Pickford.
The 27-year-old reflected after the final whistle: "It was a tough win away from home, but we took the three points and it was nice to score a goal. We spoke a little bit on the pitch. It was an easy talk and then I took it. To be fair, a few months ago I took one, and it was nice to take one again and to score.
"We don't think about it too much, we just wait for the decision. Then you know it's a penalty and you just wait for the normal procedure. Nothing special, really."
Saka's 'tough' admission
Bukayo Saka
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Bukayo Saka is challenged by Vitaliy Mykolenko(Image: Mike Morese/MI News/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Taking on any David Moyes side typically presents a rigorous examination of your abilities - one the Gunners handled with distinction. With only Gyokeres' spot-kick dividing the teams, Arsenal managed just two attempts on target, which exceeded the hosts by one.
The Toffees' defensive resilience forced the Gunners to graft for their three points, and the energy required to claim maximum points on Merseyside wasn't overlooked by Saka. Speaking through Premier League Productions, the England international commended Everton's approach. He said: "Everton made it really tough.
"It was also on us for not killing off the game in certain moments. They have a good structure with a good intensity. Their players are so passionate, which made it so hard. There weren't really any emotions in it, we take them out.
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"We focus on our job. Since last week we focused on winning here and we did that today We are back on top of the table but we aren't watching City too hard. We know if we win every week we will stay there. We are in control."