Arsenal will head into the Christmas period at the summit of the Premier League after grinding out a narrow 1–0 victory over Everton on Saturday, resisting renewed pressure from champions Manchester City, who also recorded a convincing win.
The Gunners’ success on Merseyside was secured by a first-half penalty from Viktor Gyökeres, a result that restored their two-point advantage at the top after City had briefly moved above them earlier in the day.
While Arsenal were far from fluent, the win proved sufficient to keep them ahead in an increasingly tense title race.
The decisive moment at the Hill Dickinson Stadium came amid controversy.
Arsenal felt Gyökeres had been fouled moments before referee attention turned the other way, with Everton defender Jake O’Brien penalised for handball inside the box.
Gyökeres calmly converted from the spot, a decision that infuriated the home side.
Arsenal had opportunities to extend their lead after the break, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both striking the woodwork.
Everton, however, were equally aggrieved by officiating decisions, believing two challenges on Thierno Barry in the penalty area should have resulted in spot-kicks.
Despite the tense finish, Mikel Arteta’s side held firm to collect three points that ensure they sit top of the table at Christmas.
Earlier, Manchester City had turned up the heat with a 3–0 win over West Ham at the Etihad Stadium.
Erling Haaland opened the scoring inside five minutes and later provided an assist for Tijjani Reijnders, who netted his first goal for the club just before half-time.
Haaland then struck again late on, taking his tally for club and country this season to 38 goals.
Despite City’s strong run of form, manager Pep Guardiola struck a cautious note, insisting improvement is still required if his team are to secure a seventh Premier League title under his leadership.
Elsewhere, Liverpool edged a dramatic 2–1 victory over Tottenham in a match marked by controversy and late tension.
Spurs were reduced to nine men after dismissals for Xavi Simons and captain Cristian Romero, leaving manager Thomas Frank under mounting pressure.
Alexander Isak, introduced at half-time, scored only his third goal since his record move to Anfield but was later forced off with another injury concern.
Hugo Ekitike added a second for Liverpool before Richarlison pulled one back to set up a nervy finale. The win lifted Liverpool to fifth place, while Tottenham remain down in 13th.
Chelsea stayed fourth on goal difference after a spirited comeback to draw with Newcastle, recovering from a two-goal deficit thanks to a Reece James free-kick and a Joao Pedro equaliser.
However, the Blues’ inconsistent form continues to stall their title ambitions.
At the bottom end of the table, Wolves’ miserable season continued with a 2–0 home defeat to Brentford, leaving them still without a league win.
Burnley finally halted a seven-game losing streak courtesy of a last-minute equaliser at Bournemouth, while Leeds moved clear of the relegation zone with a convincing win over Crystal Palace.
As the festive fixtures approach, Arsenal remain the team to catch, but with City closing in and rivals battling for position across the table, the Premier League title race is showing no signs of easing.
