A first-half penalty from Viktor Gyökeres proved decisive as Arsenal secured a narrow victory away to Everton, ensuring they will spend the festive period at the top of the Premier League table.
The contest at Hill Dickinson Stadium was a largely subdued affair, with clear chances at a premium for much of the afternoon. The breakthrough arrived just before the half-hour mark from the penalty spot. Following a corner, Everton defender Jake O’Brien was adjudged to have handled the ball under pressure from Arsenal defenders. After a review by the video assistant referee, the spot-kick was awarded, and Gyökeres dispatched it powerfully past Jordan Pickford.
Arsenal, who had seen their lead at the summit briefly disappear before kick-off, controlled possession for long periods but struggled to translate that dominance into clear-cut opportunities. Their best chances to extend the lead came in the second half, with Bukayo Saka seeing a low shot blocked on the line by James Tarkowski, and Leandro Trossard and Martín Zubimendi each striking the same post in quick succession.
Everton, hampered by the absence of key creative players, offered limited threat in attack. Their most promising moments came from appeals for a penalty of their own when forward Thierno Barry went down under a challenge in the area, but the appeals were waved away after a VAR check.
The result sees Arsenal reclaim first place and marks the third time in four seasons they have led the league at Christmas. While the performance may not have been their most fluid, the three points represent a resilient response after a recent dip in form on their travels. For Everton, the defeat extends a frustrating run, with a lack of cutting edge in the final third proving costly once again.