Arsenal secured the coveted "Christmas Number One" spot with a gritty 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. In a game of few clear-cut chances, Viktor Gyökeres' composed penalty proved the difference, as Mikel Arteta's side demonstrated their ability to grind out results on the road.
Mikel Arteta: "To come here and win is never easy. The atmosphere, the physicality of Everton... you have to be ready for the battle. We stood up to it today. To be top at Christmas is a nice feeling, but we know the hardest work is still to come."
The decisive moment arrived early in the contest. In the 27th minute, Everton defender Jake O'Brien handled the ball in the box, and after a VAR review, a penalty was awarded. Gyökeres stepped up and coolly sent the goalkeeper the wrong way to give Arsenal the lead. It was his 14th goal of the season and settled the visitors' nerves.
Arsenal controlled large periods of the game but couldn't find a second goal to kill the contest. Leandro Trossard and Martín Zubimendi both hit the woodwork in the second half as the Gunners pushed for insurance. Bukayo Saka also saw an effort cleared off the line as Everton hung on.
The hosts had their moments, threatening from set-pieces, and there was a nervous moment when they appealed for a penalty after a challenge by William Saliba on Thierno Barry. However, VAR waved away the claims, and Arsenal's defence, marshalled by the majestic Saliba, held firm. David Raya was alert when called upon, dealing comfortably with an early James Garner corner that threatened to creep in.
The final whistle confirmed a vital three points and a fifth consecutive away clean sheet for the Gunners.
Bukayo Saka: "It wasn't our most free-flowing performance, but these are the wins that matter. 1-0 away from home, clean sheet, top of the league. We'll take that all day. We're in a great position, but we have to keep pushing."
The Man of the Match award goes to William Saliba. The Frenchman was a rock at the back, winning his duels and ensuring Everton's physical attack rarely threatened Raya's goal. His composure in possession helped Arsenal control the tempo in a hostile environment.
The Gunners now switch focus to the EFL Cup, facing Crystal Palace in the quarter-finals on Tuesday, December 23.
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