LIVERPOOL, ENGLAND — Arsenal secured a 0-1 victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium, maintaining their position at the summit of the Premier League with 36 points as the league leaders ground out a crucial three points against a resilient ninth-placed Everton side. Viktor Gyökeres' penalty proved the difference in a match where Arsenal controlled 65.3% possession but struggled to convert their dominance into clear-cut chances, pinning Everton back for long stretches without finding the clinical edge that has defined their title challenge.
The decisive moment arrived in the 27th minute following a lengthy VAR review. Jake O'Brien's handball in the penalty area gave Arsenal the opportunity they needed, and Gyökeres stepped up confidently, converting the spot-kick with a right-footed shot to the bottom left corner. The Swedish striker sent Jordan Pickford the wrong way, giving Arsenal a slender advantage they would cling to for the remainder of the contest. The goal came against the run of play, with Everton having defended resolutely in the opening exchanges before the controversial handball decision swung momentum decisively toward the visitors.
The tactical battle showcased contrasting philosophies. Martin Ødegaard orchestrated Arsenal's possession game from midfield, with Declan Rice and Martín Zubimendi providing the platform for Arsenal's attacking forays. Bukayo Saka tormented Vitalii Mykolenko down the right flank throughout, while Leandro Trossard probed from the left. For Everton, James Tarkowski and Michael Keane formed a stubborn defensive partnership, throwing their bodies on the line repeatedly. The Ukrainian defender Mykolenko picked up a yellow card in the 26th minute for his persistent fouling, while Tarkowski followed him into the book in the 39th minute after a cynical challenge on Gyökeres.
Despite 13 attempts, Arsenal managed just two on target, highlighting their wastefulness in front of goal. Zubimendi struck the right post in the 69th minute with Ødegaard's assist, while Trossard also hit the woodwork moments later. Everton, limited to just five shots, created their best opportunity in the 49th minute when Charly Alcaraz's header forced a save from David Raya. The statistics painted a picture of Arsenal dominance—13 shots to five, three corners to two—yet the scoreline remained uncomfortably tight.
The turning point came in the 65th minute when Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta withdrew Gyökeres for Gabriel Jesus, prioritizing fresh legs to protect the lead. The substitution invited pressure, and Everton responded with attacking changes of their own, introducing Beto for Thierno Barry and Tyler Dibling for Dwight McNeil. The final 25 minutes became increasingly frantic, with Gabriel Martinelli picking up a late yellow card in the 89th minute as Arsenal sought to run down the clock. Jack Grealish won a free kick deep into stoppage time, but Everton couldn't fashion an equalizer during the six added minutes.
Looking ahead, Arsenal will travel to face Manchester United on January 10, seeking to extend their lead at the top of the table.