Arsenal edge past Everton to reclaim Premier League top spot | OneFootball

Arsenal returned to the summit of the Premier League with a hard-fought 1-0 win at Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium, courtesy of a first-half penalty from Viktor Gyökeres.

The Gunners had the perfect start when Everton defender Jake O'Brien handled Declan Rice’s corner. Gyökeres calmly stepped up to take the penalty and smashed a powerful shot, giving Jordan Pickford no chance and putting Arsenal ahead in the 27th minute. It was the Swede’s seventh goal since joining Arsenal, and it proved enough to secure all three points.

After taking the lead, Arsenal controlled much of the possession but struggled to break Everton down.

Martín Zubimendi and Leandro Trossard both rattled the woodwork with powerful efforts, while Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard created openings that Pickford or Everton’s defenders managed to block.

At the other end, David Moyes' men threatened through Thierno Barry, but William Saliba and Jurrien Timber made crucial interventions to keep the scoreline intact.

The match saw a tense finale as the Toffees pushed for an equaliser, but the Gunners’ backline and a composed David Raya in goal held firm to see out the victory.

The win lifts Arsenal two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table and six ahead of third-placed Aston Villa, who play tomorrow against Manchester United at Villa Park.

Arsenal will return to Carabao Cup action on Tuesday against Crystal Palace before welcoming Brighton next Saturday and Aston Villa on the final day of 2025.