The race for the Premier League title took another dramatic turn as Arsenal secured a vital 1-0 win over Everton, ensuring they will sit at the top of the table for Christmas.
The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres converted from the penalty spot, marking his first goal in six matches.
The penalty was awarded after a VAR review highlighted an inexplicable handball by Everton defender Jake O’Brien during a corner.
While captain Martin Odegaard usually takes responsibility from the spot, he handed the ball to Gyokeres, a gesture Mikel Arteta later praised as a sign of the squad’s leadership and unity.
Everton, despite missing key creative sparks like Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, fought valiantly and felt aggrieved when a second-half penalty claim for a challenge on Thierno Barry was dismissed by VAR.
Arsenal hit the woodwork twice through Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi but were unable to find a cushion, leading to a tense final ten minutes.
The Gunners’ defensive resilience eventually saw them through, moving them back above Manchester City.
Arteta highlighted that while the performance wasn’t their most clinical, winning at a difficult ground like Goodison Park is the “test of title-winning character” his side needs.