Mikel Arteta's Arsenal have reclaimed the summit of the English Premier League, but the manager insists his team must learn to be more ruthless after a narrow 1-0 victory over a struggling Everton side at Goodison Park.
Gyokeres Ends Drought from the Spot
The crucial moment of the match arrived from the penalty spot, where Viktor Gyokeres converted to break his personal goal drought. The striker had last found the net on November 1, making this his first goal in over seven weeks. His solitary strike proved enough to secure all three points, moving the Gunners two points clear of reigning champions Manchester City.
Arteta Demands Improvement Despite Victory
For the second consecutive week, Arsenal were made to endure a tense finish. After relying on a stoppage-time own goal to defeat Wolverhampton Wanderers, they again had to sweat for the full 96 minutes on Merseyside. Everton, missing key attackers Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall through injury and Iliman Ndiaye due to the Africa Cup of Nations, offered little threat but had a strong penalty appeal waved away when William Saliba challenged Thierno Barry.
"The margin should have been bigger," a relieved but critical Arteta told AFP after the match. "We have to learn while we are winning." He praised his team's consistency, however, stating it gives him "belief and confidence" in their pursuit of a first league title in 22 years.
Christmas Lead But City Loom Large
This result means Arsenal will sit atop the Premier League table on Christmas Day for the third time in four years under Arteta. Their previous two holiday leads were ultimately overhauled by a relentless Manchester City. Pep Guardiola's side have won seven games in a row across all competitions, closing a gap that was once seven points.
Everton manager David Moyes lamented his team's lack of cutting edge in front of goal, a recurring theme in their recent matches. "You can play as well as you like and do good things but we need to get some goals," Moyes said. "The players' effort, the spirit was there... It was just a bit of quality or trying to hurt Arsenal a bit more."
