Viktor Gyökeres scored a composed 26th-minute penalty to secure a 1–0 victory at Everton's new Hill Dickinson Stadium, sending Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League on Christmas Day.

The game featured VAR drama for a handball at a corner, resolute defending, and two efforts cannoning off the woodwork as Everton pushed for an equaliser. David Raya and the defence kept a clean sheet in a tightly controlled away performance.

Arsenal now head into a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace, then host Brighton and Aston Villa as they defend top spot over the festive period.