Football Review | Everton 0 - 1 Arsenal

Arsenal did just enough at Everton to reclaim top spot

This was a slightly more disjointed and frequently untidy contest

Author | DJ

Stadium | Hill Dickinson Stadium

The pressure had been applied earlier in the day when Manchester City moved ahead with a routine victory over West Ham United, leaving Mikel Arteta’s side needing a response on the manager’s return to his former club.

The decisive moment arrived midway through the first half when Everton defender Jake O’Brien unnecessarily handled Declan Rice’s corner. Viktor Gyökeres made no mistake from the spot, thumping the penalty beyond Jordan Pickford with conviction.

Arsenal rarely found fluency but they did create opportunities to ease the tension after the interval. Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both struck the woodwork, chances that would have put the result beyond doubt.

Victory lifts Arsenal two points clear of Manchester City at the summit

Arsenal, as they were in the narrow victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers, played well below their fluent best, yet title challenges are often defined by an ability to grind out results when the football falls short. This was one such afternoon.

The response required after slipping to second following Manchester City’s earlier win duly arrived, if not in particularly convincing fashion.

The decisive moment came via a remarkable lapse from Everton’s towering defender Jake O’Brien, who inexplicably raised both arms while attempting to clear a corner. It was an invitation Arsenal were only too happy to accept.

Viktor Gyokeres made no mistake from the spot, maintaining a flawless league record from 12 yards since the start of the 2023–24 season, with 19 penalties converted for Sporting and Arsenal.

Arsenal were the more purposeful side after the break, striking the woodwork through Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi, chances that would have eased the tension late on. As it was, Gyokeres’ penalty proved sufficient.

Everton showed plenty of commitment, but Arsenal’s back line, marshalled calmly in front of David Raya, was rarely stretched. The visitors saw out a valuable three points with minimal alarm, a result that may yet carry significant weight in the title race.