Viktor Gyokeres scores a penalty to give Arsenal a 1-0 win at Everton, sending them back to the top of the Premier League table for Christmas.
LIVERPOOL: Viktor Gyokeres ended his personal goal drought from the penalty spot to send Arsenal back to the Premier League summit with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton.
The Gunners had been displaced at the top by Manchester City’s earlier victory but restored their two-point advantage despite another unconvincing performance.
Mikel Arteta’s side needed a stoppage-time winner against Wolves last weekend and again struggled to break down a depleted Everton.
One goal proved enough to ensure Arsenal are top at Christmas for the third time in four years.
On the two previous occasions, they failed to win the title after being reeled in by Manchester City.
Erling Haaland inspired City once more in a 3-0 win over West Ham, taking his season tally to a remarkable 38 goals for club and country.
The difference in class between their respective strikers may yet cost Arsenal a first league title in 22 years.
Their own Scandinavian striker at least ended his wait for a goal since November 1.
Gyokeres had a penalty appeal waived away seconds before opening the scoring for a push by Jake O’Brien.
From the resulting corner, O’Brien inexplicably raised his arms to handle Declan Rice’s delivery and a spot-kick was awarded.
Arsenal’s normal penalty taker Bukayo Saka stood aside to allow Gyokeres to hammer the penalty past Jordan Pickford.
The league leaders had failed to win their previous three Premier League away trips but ran into Everton at the right time.
Everton’s tough task was not aided by the absence of three key players.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall missed out through injury, while Senegal duo Iliman Ndiaye and Idrissa Gana Gueye have departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Everton’s lack of quality in the final third quickly showed but Arsenal were still left holding on after failing to kill the game.
Gyokeres showed a lack of speed that has hampered his transition from free-scoring form with Sporting Lisbon.
He latched onto William Saliba’s through ball but fired wide under pressure from James Tarkowski.
Saka should have given the visitors breathing space when his shot was cleared off the line by Tarkowski early in the second half.
Arsenal were forced to ride their luck as Thierno Barry had two strong penalty appeals waived away for fouls by Jurrien Timber and Saliba.
Twice the visitors were inches away from a crucial second goal as Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both hit the post.
A ninth clean sheet in 17 league games ensured Arteta was granted the gift he wanted to mark his sixth anniversary in charge.
