Everton Vs Arsenal, Premier League: Gyokeres Penalty Sends Gunners Top At Standings

Arsenal claimed a vital 1-0 win at Hill Dickinson Stadium to reclaim top spot in the Premier League at Christmas, responding to Manchester City’s earlier victory. The decisive moment came in the 27th minute when Viktor Gyokeres coolly converted a penalty awarded after Jake O’Brien’s handball following a VAR review, ending his scoring drought and giving Arsenal the lead. Arsenal controlled much of the match after the goal, with Leandro Trossard and Martín Zubimendi hitting the woodwork in the second half, though Everton pushed for an equaliser without creating many clear chances. The Gunners’ disciplined performance ensured they finished the day two points above City, while Everton remain mid-table.

Updated on: 21 December 2025 2:45 pm

Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-1

Arsenal players greet fans after the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Mikel Arteta

Arsenal's manager Mikel Arteta, fourth from left, and his players celebrate after the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Leandro Trossard

Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, center, hits the right post during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Viktor Gyoekeres

Arsenal's Viktor Gyoekeres, left, is challenged by Everton's Vitaliy Mykolenko during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Jack Grealish

Everton's Jack Grealish, front, dribbles the ball past Arsenal's Jurrien Timber during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Jordan Pickford

Everton's goalkeeper Jordan Pickford, center, fails to save a penalty kicked by Arsenal's Viktor Gyoekeres during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson

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Arsenal's Viktor Gyoekeres celebrates after scoring his side's opening goal from the penalty spot during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: Peter Byrne/PA via AP

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Thierno Barry

Everton's Thierno Barry, bottom, is challenged by Arsenal's Leandro Trossard, right, and Declan Rice during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: Peter Byrne/PA via AP

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Declan Rice

Everton's Tim Iroegbunam, top, and Arsenal's Declan Rice vie for the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson

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Everton vs Arsenal Premier League match-Bukayo Saka

Arsenal's Bukayo Saka, right, dribbles the ball during the English Premier League soccer match between Everton and Arsenal in Liverpool, England. | Photo: AP/Ian Hodgson