Everton vs Arsenal live: Gunners eke out win to return to top Premier League tree for Christmas | OneFootball

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Arsenal took advantage of Everton’s missing creative spine to beat the Toffees and ensure their place at the top of the tree for Christmas.

After being frustrated for the first 20 minutes, the Gunners were given a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after Jake O’Brien, with both arms raised, bewilderingly handled a corner delivery, with a penalty being awarded after a VAR check.

Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and converted, putting the Gunners in control of an Everton side without its key creators, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured and Iliman Ndiaye on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Mikel Arteta‘s side spurned a couple of opportunities to extend their lead after the break, hitting the post twice, but they were able to quell any Everton comeback to respond effectively to Manchester City win over West Ham earlier in the day, taking back top spot ahead of Christmas Day.

Arsenal return to top of tree for Christmas

(Peter Byrne/PA Wire)

(Arsenal FC via Getty Images)

(Action Images via Reuters)

Will Castle20 December 2025 22:20

FULL-TIME! Everton 0-1 Arsenal

Arsenal took advantage of Everton’s missing creative spine to beat the Toffees and ensure their place at the top of the tree for Christmas.

After being frustrated for the first 20 minutes, the Gunners were given a golden opportunity to break the deadlock at the Hill Dickinson Stadium after Jake O’Brien, with both arms raised, bewilderingly handled a corner delivery, with a penalty being awarded after a VAR check.

Viktor Gyokeres stepped up and converted, putting the Gunners in control of an Everton side without its key creators, with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall injured and Iliman Ndiaye on Africa Cup of Nations duty.

Mikel Arteta‘s side spurned a couple of opportunities to extend their lead after the break, hitting the post twice, but they were able to quell any Everton comeback to respond effectively to Manchester City win over West Ham earlier in the day, taking back top spot ahead of Christmas Day.

(REUTERS)

Will Castle20 December 2025 22:04

Everton 0-1 Arsenal

90+7 mins: The Arsenal head of Hincapie meets it. That should be all.

Will Castle20 December 2025 22:00

Everton 0-1 Arsenal

90+6 mins: Free kick in the Arsenal half for Everton. One last chance to launch it into the box.

Will Castle20 December 2025 22:00

Everton 0-1 Arsenal

90+5 mins: Dibling tries a low cross but it doesn’t beat the first man. No damage done as Martinelli chases down the cleared ball.

Will Castle20 December 2025 21:59

Everton 0-1 Arsenal

90+4 mins: The Toffees do indeed pump it long but they can’t do much with it as one too many looping balls ends up in Raya’s arms.

Beto has been a complete passenger since coming on. It’s a familiar story for Everton fans.

Will Castle20 December 2025 21:58