Arsenal moved back to the top of the table above Manchester City after victory over Everton. The result secures their place at the peak of the league for Christmas yet again.
Arsenal were grateful to Jake O’Brien for a calamitous decision to raise his arms in the box and give away a penalty in the first half. Viktor Gyokeres stepping up to slam in from the spot.
The Gunners would take things forward in the second half as both Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi hit the post, with Bukayo Saka also seeing a shot blocked by a last-ditch interception.
A game that should have been won by more saw a nervy end ensue. But Arsenal held on and claimed all three points.
Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players:
David Raya – Was nearly caught out with the ball at his feet but managed to deftly take it around his opponent in the first half. Had to endure a lot of aerial challenges and passes, which he dealt with really well on the night. 8
Jurrien Timber – Brought the ball forward well, and strode into the central areas many times, controlling the ball well. Yet at times was quite timid with his desire to go forward, as were plenty of his teammates, and passed backwards when perhaps a more adventurous option was on.
However, he too improved as the game went on, great tackle on Beto in the 76th minute to prevent a one-on-one materialising. 7
William Saliba – A poor clearance led to an Everton corner he himself cleared and then produced a great tackle on Alcaraz in the box. Might have got a little fortunate not to have given away a penalty after connecting with the back of Barry’s foot. 7
Piero Hincapie – Went long a couple times too many, sparking a reaction from Mikel Arteta on the sidelines. Somehow avoided a booking when stopping a blatant attack down the right. 6
Riccardo Calafiori – A strange game full of good and frustrating moments for the Italian. In one moment he’d find a great pass, or move and in another get caught out. Yet he fought on and helped keep the clean sheet. 7
Martin Zubimendi – Another one perhaps guilty of the passive style, and chose the safe option. Got a little fortunate as he battled with Thierno Barry as the striker went through, but it was waved away.
Struck the post after being set up inside the box by his captain, a curling effort that beat Pickford but not the woodwork. 7
Declan Rice – It was the England international’s ball into the box which led to the corner. Perfectly timed pass in the box for Trossard who should have buried his chance. 8
Martin Odegaard – Found a couple of nice balls into the box in the first half which came close to finding a teammate and required last-ditch interceptions to stop. Really poor pass to Gyokeres in the box before the half-time whistle, wasting a good opportunity.
No doubt, however, that he stepped up considerably in the second half. Involved in the build-up for three big chances, two of which hit the post plus a Saka chance which should have been taken better. 7
Bukayo Saka – Shifted across to the left-hand side on occasion and found some good balls into the box, which sadly weren't connected with. Shocking miss, however, early in the second half, which really should've given the Gunners a two-goal lead at that point.
He then had another chance to score, facing the final man Michael Keane but he was blocked again from a clean shot. 7
Viktor Gyokeres – Good pass out to Saka, which led to his first chance in the game, a flicked header around Jordan Pickford's right post. Was then downed in the box before he was about to tap-in but nothing was given.
He was handed the ball by Martin Odegaard to take a penalty kick moments later, however, and he made no mistake. 7
Leandro Trossard – Great pass round the corner for Gyokeres to run clear but sadly the Swede couldn't make something of it. Hit the post with a huge chance that he simply had to score. 6
Substitutes:Gabriel Jesus – Replaced Viktor Gyokeres in the 65th minute. The difference was immediate as the Brazilian dropped in to help link play as the Gunners’ chances increased in frequency. 6
Gabriel Martinelli – Replaced Leandro Trossard in the 80th minute. Was the outlet with pace but had little to do after coming on. n/a
Mikel Merino – Replaced Martin Odegaard on the 88th minute. Came on too late to influence the game. n/a
