Gyokeres explains Arsenal penalty-taker decision after Everton win | OneFootball

Viktor Gyokeres described Arsenal’s 1-0 win at Everton as “a tough win away from home” after his first half penalty secured victory and sent the club back to the top of the Premier League at Christmas.

The striker converted from the spot on 27 minutes at Hill Dickinson Stadium after Jake O’Brien handled Declan Rice’s corner, a decision confirmed by VAR, although how the referee failed to spot O’Brien playing volleyball is anyone’s guess.

The goal ended a five game goal drought for Gyokeres and proved enough on a night when Arsenal dominated for long spells but were unable to extend their lead.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Speaking after the match, Gyokeres focused on the importance of seeing the game through rather than the significance of his goal.

“Good, of course. It was a tough win away from home, but we took the three points and it was nice to score a goal,” he said.

Gyokeres also explained how the decision was made for him to take the penalty.

“We spoke a little bit on the pitch. It was an easy talk and then I took it. To be fair, a few months ago I took one, and it was nice to take one again and to score.

“We don’t think about it too much, we just wait for the decision. Then you know it’s a penalty and you just wait for the normal procedure. Nothing special, really.”

Arsenal were unable to put the game beyond doubt despite a series of chances after the break.

Photo by Alex Livesey/Getty Images

Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both struck the post, while Bukayo Saka saw a close range effort blocked on the line by James Tarkowski.

Everton believed they should have been awarded a penalty of their own when Thierno Barry went down under a challenge from William Saliba, but VAR upheld the on field decision, understandably drawing frustration from the home crowd.

Gyokeres acknowledged that the narrow margin added tension late on.

“It was a tough game but it would have been good if we had scored a few more goals, because then you can control it a bit more,” he added.

“When it’s only 1-0, it can be a bit stressful at times in the end. Of course, we would have liked to convert those chances we had, but we won in the end so that’s the most important thing.”

The victory ensured Arsenal reclaimed top spot after Manchester City had briefly moved ahead earlier in the day by beating West Ham United. Despite that, Gyokeres was quick to downplay the significance of league position at this stage of the season.

Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images

“It’s always a good feeling to win football matches and to be top of the table, but it doesn’t mean so much because it’s a long way to go and there are a lot of games still to play,” he said.

“But we still have a lot of games around Christmas, so of course I will enjoy it, but not too much!”

Mikel Arteta said afterwards that his side should have made the game more comfortable but praised their control and organisation.

“[We’re] very happy. We put in a very solid performance. It’s a very difficult place to come against a team that are very organised,” Arteta said.

“They can create very chaotic moments in the way that they play, but I think we controlled it really well, scored the goal and in the second half we talked about scoring the second one.

Photo by Matt McNulty/Getty Images

“So, we went for it, had about three or four big chances, hit the post twice and probably the margin should have been bigger. But yes, defensively, again another clean sheet. We haven’t conceded any chances throughout the game, so a positive evening.”

Arteta added that the players had taken responsibility for the penalty decision.

“[I am] very happy. It’s a really important goal to win the game,” he said. “I love that the players took ownership to decide who the taker was going to be, and it worked, so a good decision overall.”

Arsenal now turn their attention to the Carabao Cup quarter final against Crystal Palace, knowing that a disciplined, if narrow, win on Merseyside has restored their position at the summit heading into Christmas.