Overview
- Arsenal beat Everton 1-0 with Viktor Gyokeres converting from the spot for his fifth Premier League goal in 15 appearances, his first since November 1.
- Usual takers Bukayo Saka or Martin Odegaard deferred on the pitch, a call Arteta later endorsed without formally changing the hierarchy.
- Jamie Redknapp said the striker is finding the league’s physicality hard and criticised his touch and link-up play.
- A reported 27% duel-win rate at Everton underscored concerns over his open‑play impact, as Mikel Merino highlighted duel-winning as massive in Arsenal’s approach.
- Alan Shearer praised Gyokeres for stepping up and called the penalty finish brilliant, while the forward cautioned that being top at Christmas means little with many games left.