Arsenal Grind out Gritty Win at
Everton to Reclaim EPL Summit

London, 21 Dec 2025 (ONA) — Arsenal
responded to pre-match pressure by grinding out a vital 1-0 victory away to
Everton, a hard-fought result that returned them to the top of the English Premier
League (EPL) table.

Knowing title rivals Manchester City
had moved two points clear with an earlier win over West Ham, Mikel Arteta’s
side produced a performance of resilience rather than flair atHill Dickinson Stadium.
The decisive moment arrived just before the half-hour mark, when Everton
defender Jake O’Brien was penalized for a clear handball from a Declan Rice
corner.

Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres
stepped up and dispatched the penalty with ferocious power, giving Arsenal a
lead they would never relinquish. The Gunners controlled the tempo but lacked
their usual cutting edge, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both
striking the woodwork with chances to seal the game in the second half.

Everton offered sporadic threat but
failed to seriously test David Raya, as Arsenal’s disciplined defense secured a
crucial clean sheet. The three points lift Arsenal two points clear of
Manchester City at the summit and extend their advantage over third-place Aston
Villa to six points ahead of Villa’s clash with Manchester United tonight.

— Ends/Khalid