Arsenal can dream of a Premier League title after Viktor Gyokeres’ penalty ensured a narrow victory over a spirited Everton, meaning the Gunners will sit top of the pile on Christmas Day. Man City won earlier in the day to temporarily nick first place, but as Mikel Arteta rang in his six-year anniversary in charge of the side with three points, Pep Guardiola’s men were promptly deposed.
Everton started the better side at the Hill Dickinson Stadium but failed to capitalise on their early pressure, and the match’s momentum was flipped entirely when Jake O’Brien inexplicably cleared an Arsenal corner with both hands and referee Samuel Barrott pointed to the spot.
Gyokeres duly smashed his penalty home, and despite an entertaining second half beset with goalmouth action, it proved the only difference. O’Brien will be left to rue his error, without which the Toffees may well have been deserving of a point - or more. Catch up with the action as it happened below with our dedicated match blog, featuring expert insight and analysis from Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Everton vs Arsenal latest news
- GOAL! Gyokeres opens scoring from 12-yards
- Arsenal XI
- Everton XI
FULL TIME: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
22:00 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal deal with the free-kick, and that does it!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
22:00 , Arthur Ferridge90+6mins: One last chance for Everton with a free-kick near the half-way line.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:59 , Arthur Ferridge90+5mins: Everton manage to break out via a Pickford long ball which falls to Dibling, whose cross is uninspiring.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:58 , Arthur Ferridge90+5mins: The fight is still there, but Everton seem just about out of ideas now.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:57 , Arthur Ferridge90+3mins: Arsenal have kept Everton pinned for all of the injury time here so far.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:55 , Arthur Ferridge90+1mins: Jesus tries a shot on the volley and shanks it badly. Everton clear their lines.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:54 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: SIX minutes will be added on here!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:54 , Arthur Ferridge90mins: Tarkowski puts an awkward deflection narrowly wide of his own net...
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:53 , Arthur Ferridge89mins: Martinelli is booked for kicking the ball away, now.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:51 , Arthur Ferridge88mins: Arteta is clearly keen for another goal. Merino replaces Odegaard.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:51 , Arthur Ferridge87mins: Saka gets the better of Mykolenko as he breaks to the byline, but Keane puts in another tackle worthy of his bountiful experience to stop him in his tracks. He’s been superb today.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:50 , Arthur Ferridge86mins: Time is quickly running out for the Toffees here...
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:46 , Arthur Ferridge82mins: Iroegbunam is bundled off the ball to end an Everton attack and Arsenal counter. Calafiori gets the ball in the middle, but slows it down and plays it back.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:43 , Arthur Ferridge79mins: Mykolenko slides in to put Timber’s cross behind for a corner.
Elsewhere, Trossard is hooked in favour of Martinelli.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:39 , Arthur Ferridge76mins: Changes for Everton as Dibling and Rohl replace McNeil and Alcaraz.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:39 , Arthur Ferridge75mins: Rice just stacked it off the ball. He’ll hope nobody saw that, but we’ll record it here for posterity.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:37 , Arthur Ferridge74mins: Tyler DIbling being readied for Everton as Keane makes another crucial intervention to block Saka’s shot and win a goal kick.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:36 , Arthur Ferridge73mins: Deja vu for Everton as yet another McNeil cross is too high, too looping, too slow, and too easy for Raya.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:35 , Arthur Ferridge71mins: Saka and Timber trip over one another as they look to latch onto Odegaard’s neat ball through.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:34 , Arthur Ferridge70mins: Beto goes to ground in the box, but the incident draws more appeals from the crowd than from those on the pitch. Says a lot, really.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:34 , Arthur Ferridge70mins: Hard to believe there’s only been the one goal in this match. Feels like there has been an awful lot of goalmouth action, or at least penalty box action.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:32 , Arthur Ferridge68mins: Another superb passing move from Arsenal ends against the woodwork. This time the shot came from Zubimendi.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:31 , Arthur Ferridge67mins: Replay shows Grealish seems to have accidentally stood on Saka’s foot off the ball. Grealish is having words with the referee, but looks bemused. VAR waves it away.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:30 , Arthur Ferridge66mins: A break in play now as Saka is down injured, clutching his right shin.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:29 , Arthur Ferridge65mins: A new striker for both sides as Gyokeres is replaced by Jesus for Arsenal and Barry is dropped for Beto.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
21:29 , Arthur FerridgeTrossard has to score that. Big, big moment and one that could look even bigger in about half an hour.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:28 , Arthur Ferridge64mins: An absolutely superb Arsenal team move, which saw the ball pass through the feet of at least half the team, ends with Trossard rattling the far post. What a goal that would have been!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:27 , Arthur Ferridge63mins: Arsenal seem intent on just slowing down the pace of play, which has been, in a word, frenetic over the past few minutes.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:26 , Arthur Ferridge62mins: Keane blocks a well-hit Saka shot.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:26 , Arthur Ferridge62mins: Trossard spins O’Brien and dinks a cross to the back post, but Timber can’t do much with it.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:25 , Arthur Ferridge61mins: Gyokeres is one-on-one with Mykolenko, and loses the ball to the Ukrainian. He’s not been brilliant tonight, but his goal remains the only difference here.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:24 , Arthur Ferridge60mins: Hincapie is penalised for getting overly handsy with Thierno Barry. Moyes is demanding a yellow. Wouldn’t want to see the state of his referee report tomorrow morning...
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:22 , Arthur Ferridge59mins: This break in play as Barry is treated is really good news for Arsenal. It should work wonders for stemming Everton’s momentum.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:22 , Arthur Ferridge58mins: Saliba has been cleared of any wrongdoing for catching Barry with a high boot. Surprised, after the first half, that the referee didn’t even bother to check the monitor.
VAR is investigating...
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:21 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: Alcaraz catches one on the volley and it flashes wide.
A blue shirt is on the ground in the Arsenal box, though. Could we have a penalty here?
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:20 , Arthur Ferridge57mins: Gyokeres is needlessly booked for kicking the ball away.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:19 , Arthur Ferridge56mins: Arteta does not look best pleased with how Arsenal have fared in the first ten minutes of the second half.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:19 , Arthur Ferridge55mins: Alcaraz drives through the middle and looks to distribute to McNeil, but the ex-Burnley man is wrongfooted and cannot catch up to the pass.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
21:17 , Arthur FerridgeSaliba and now Calafiori with sloppy moments on the ball to give Everton the chance to counter. Arsenal have found themselves in a game now and they need to step it up.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:17 , Arthur Ferridge53mins: This is getting testy now as Timber goes to ground in front of Garner and the pair exchange words.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:16 , Arthur Ferridge52mins: Scratch that - offence looks to have been outside the box, and Zubimendi looks to have got the ball. The sequence ends with... a goal kick?
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:16 , Arthur Ferridge52mins: Barry is taken out in the box by Zubimendi, but the referee says no penalty!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:15 , Arthur Ferridge51mins: Tarkowski clears Saka’s shot off the line!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:14 , Arthur Ferridge50mins: A really clumsy attacking sequence fronm Arsenal ends in almost slapstick fashion as Saka, Gyokeres, and a pair of Everton defenders all go to deck and Pickford somehow comes up with the ball.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:13 , Arthur Ferridge50mins: Dwight McNeil has had a very quiet outing in this, his first Premier League start of the campaign.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:12 , Arthur Ferridge48mins: Another threatening-ish Everton cross ends up in the hands of Raya.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
21:12 , Arthur FerridgeTwice already in this match Zubimendi has had the ball in space on the edge of his own area but opted to play it back to Raya rather than turning. Both times Arteta has swivelled away in frustration with his head in his hands.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
21:11 , Arthur FerridgeI've seen enough in 45 seconds to believe Everton will be better this half. That means Arsenal need to step it up too - was far too slow and safe in possession at times in that first period.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:10 , Arthur Ferridge47mins: No handball says the VAR, on we go!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:10 , Arthur Ferridge46mins: O’Brien’s long throw is knocked goalwards by Alcaraz - was there a handball there?
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:10 , Arthur Ferridge46mins: Not a bad start to the half from Everton, who come forward immediately and win a throw.
2ND HALF: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
21:09 , Arthur FerridgeBack underway!
This could theoretically go either way still, but a big response will be required from the Toffees. Stay tuned!
HALF TIME: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:52 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal lead at the break!
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:52 , Arthur Ferridge45+7mins: Alcaraz and Barry combine nicely on the attack, but the latter cannot hold off Saliba. Difficult half for him.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:51 , Arthur Ferridge45+6mins: Arsenal’s counter ends with something of a role reversal as Gyokeres crosses for Saka. The winger heads wide.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:50 , Arthur Ferridge45+5mins: Spirited end to the half from Everton, though no major threat proffered. Arsenal look exceedingly comfortable.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:49 , Arthur Ferridge45+4mins: Garner sends a cross to the back post in search of Thierno Barry, but Raya leaps for it and gets there first.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:48 , Arthur Ferridge45+3mins: Seems Calafiori is fit to continue - for now.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:47 , Arthur Ferridge45+2mins: Calafiori staggers to his feet as boos continue to be sent in his direction from those in the home end.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:46 , Arthur Ferridge45+1mins: Anyway, four minutes added on.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:46 , Arthur Ferridge45+1mins: Moyes is also giving the fourth official a piece of his mind.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:45 , Arthur Ferridge45mins: Calafiori is down injured, and enthusiastic boos ring out around the Hill Dickinson Stadium as play is stopped for the Italian to receive treatment.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:44 , Arthur Ferridge44mins: Gyokeres gets in behind but Tarkowski puts in a fantastic tackle to block his shot.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
20:42 , Arthur FerridgeArsenal controlling the game without really doing anything. No pressure from Everton as the Gunners knock it around at whatever pace they want. Home fans starting to get a bit irritated.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:41 , Arthur Ferridge41mins: Rice’s long shot sails over the bar.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:40 , Arthur Ferridge40mins: Purported set-piece masters Arsenal take the free-kick short and settle back into their pattern of just passing around the Everton block.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:39 , Arthur Ferridge39mins: Tarkowski goes through the back of Gyokeres and is booked for his trouble. Arsenal have a free-kick in the middle of the pitch, some 35 yards from goal.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:37 , Arthur Ferridge37mins: The Arsenal end is in full voice now, singing the praises of Piero Hincapie.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:35 , Arthur Ferridge35mins: Arsenal are attacking in waves, but Everton are digging in. Odegaard lofts a great ball to Trossard, but Pickford is quick off his line to collect and set the Toffees on a fruitless counter.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:33 , Arthur Ferridge33mins: That goal does not seem to have knocked Everton for six as you might have expected it to. Arsenal have definitely taken control, but the Toffees have not given up.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:32 , Arthur Ferridge32mins: Worth adding that Gyokeres’ penalty does mean Arsenal have gone top of the Premier League.
Everton 0-1 Arsenal
20:30 , Arthur Ferridge30mins: See below, the Jake O’Brien penalty offence.
Remarkable the referee needed to go to the monitor at all, frankly.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
20:28 , Arthur FerridgeGyokeres really, really needed that. His first goal since returning from a hamstring injury. Arsenal need him to kick on now.
GOAL! Everton 0-1 Arsenal | Gyokeres '27
20:27 , Arthur FerridgeGyokeres smashes the pen past Pickford, and Arsenal lead!
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
20:26 , Arthur FerridgeThe Gyokeres one was debatable - that wasn't. O'Brien near enough caught it. Everton fans drown out the the referee's explanation with boos but there was no chance they were ever getting away with that.
PENALTY! Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:25 , Arthur Ferridge25mins: The referee watches the replay seven times - for reasons best known to himself - and points to the spot. That is absolutely cut and dry. Stonewall penalty.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:24 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: Wait a moment - O’Brien cleared that corner with his hands! This must be a penalty as the referee heads to the monitor.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:24 , Arthur Ferridge24mins: Rice’s corner is headed wide by Calafiori.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:23 , Arthur Ferridge23mins: Timber dishes a deflected cross to Gyokeres, who goes down in the box under pressure from O’Brien. There is a penalty shout from the Gunners, but the referee is uninterested. VAR clears it, too.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:20 , Arthur Ferridge20mins: Raya is played into a bit of trouble but produces a nice feint to beat the press of Barry. Arsenal race down the opposite end, but Saka’s pass is behind the overlapping Timber. They recover and Gyokeres has a shooting chance but heads wide.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
20:19 , Arthur FerridgeFirst chance for Arsenal and it comes from Saka drifting over to the opposite flank. He's been doubled up on every time he gets the ball on the right, so moving around could be his best bet of finding some space.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:19 , Arthur Ferridge19mins: Saka is played in behind by Trossard and he pulls it back for Zubimendi, who shoots high into the Hill Dickinson Stands.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:16 , Arthur Ferridge16mins: Can’t quite believe I’m writing this, but Bukayo Saka has been confounded by Vitalii Mykolenko thus far. No way past the Ukrainian.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:15 , Arthur Ferridge15mins: Alcaraz gets the better of Zubimendi and bears down on Raya’s goal, but just runs into Saliba. Feels like a waste, that. Everton really need to capitalise on this pressure before Arsenal wake up.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:14 , Arthur FerridgeThat corner can stand as evidence for why McNeil has not started a game yet this season. Let’s move on.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:13 , Arthur Ferridge14mins: Chance for Everton as O’Brien’s long throw is flicked on for Barry and the Toffees win another corner, this one to be taken by McNeil.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:12 , Arthur Ferridge13mins: Not a bad corner from Garner, but it does not meet an Everton head.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:12 , Arthur Ferridge12mins: Saliba puts Keane’s long-ball to Barry behind for a corner. Clumsy clearance from the Frenchman.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
20:11 , Arthur FerridgeTen minutes in and there's been plenty of the ball for the Arsenal midfielders and defenders. Trossard and Gyokeres have barely had a kick, though, and it's all been very slow in possession.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:09 , Arthur Ferridge10mins: Everton are rather forcing the question here with a very direct setup. They know Hincapie isn’t particularly experienced in this squad and seem keen on forcing him into a mistake with these long balls.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:08 , Arthur Ferridge9mins: Gyokeres lets his frustrations out on Tarkowski with a push in the back. He lays his marker out, but the referee waves play on.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:08 , Arthur Ferridge8mins: Great cross-field ball from Trossard to Saka sets Arsenal on the attack, but again he is quickly closed down and forced to recycle.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:07 , Arthur Ferridge6mins: Iroegbunam is dispossessed by Rice. The Everton youngster, just 22, has his work cut out for him this evening.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:05 , Arthur Ferridge5mins: The Everton defence looks nice and solid so far. A long ball to Saka is cut out and the Toffees counter, but can’t make anything of their attack.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:03 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: Gyokeres is then subject to a heavy-handed tackle from Keane, and looks upset not to have been awarded a foul.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:03 , Arthur Ferridge3mins: Arsenal’s first spell sees Saka’s headed pass cut out by Grealish. Everton attack through Barry, who also misplaces his pass.
Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:02 , Arthur Ferridge1min: One would expect Carlos Alcaraz to be key for the Everton midfield tonight. He always looks lively when you watch him, but his first touches on the ball have been a bit tentative.
KICK-OFF! Everton 0-0 Arsenal
20:00 , Arthur FerridgeAnd we’re off! Three points are required for the Gunners to sit top at Christmas - let’s see how they get on.
Matt Verri at the Hill Dickinson Stadium
19:57 , Arthur FerridgeTifo in place, light show done - it is properly loud in here. A night to get through the first 10/15 minutes if you're Arsenal.
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