EPL: Arsenal reclaim top spot with hard-earned win at Everton
Arsenal did what was required at Hill Dickinson Stadium, grinding out a narrow victory over Everton to move back to the top of the Premier League.
Manchester City had briefly displaced Mikel Arteta’s side earlier in the day with a routine win over West Ham, sharpening the stakes on Arteta’s return to his former club.
Arsenal responded without flair, but with enough control to take maximum points.
Penalty proves decisive
The breakthrough arrived in the 27th minute in fortuitous circumstances. Everton defender Jake O’Brien needlessly handled Declan Rice’s corner inside the box, leaving referee with little choice but to award a penalty.
Viktor Gyokores made no mistake, thumping home emphatically to maintain his flawless league record from the spot, now 19 from 19 across spells with Sporting and Arsenal.
That moment ultimately defined a game short on quality but heavy on consequence.
Viktor Gyokeres scored from the spot – Getty image
Arsenal waste chances but stay solid
Arsenal were far from their fluent best and struggled to impose sustained attacking pressure. However, they should have doubled their lead after the break, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both striking the woodwork when better execution would have eased late tension.
Despite those misses, Arsenal’s defensive structure held firm. David Raya was rarely tested, and Everton struggled to convert possession into genuine threat.
Everton frustration grows
Everton entered the contest depleted, missing key creative outlet Iliman Ndiaye, away with Senegal at AFCON, and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, sidelined by injury.
Their absence was evident, particularly in attack, where Thierno Barry and Beto again failed to offer cutting edge.
David Moyes’ side felt aggrieved not to be awarded a second-half penalty when William Saliba challenged Barry, but VAR ruled no infringement.
While Everton’s effort levels were not in question, their limitations in the final third were glaring.
Title race implications
The result lifts Arsenal two points clear of Manchester City at the summit and six ahead of third-placed Aston Villa.
