Viktor Gyokeres penalty puts Gunners back in pole position

The visitors endured a slightly uneasy opening, not helped by a collision between Piero Hincapie and Riccardo Calafiori. Shortly after, Jurrien Timber had to intervene to prevent Everton's Thierno Barry capitalising after William Saliba's loose header from a long throw.

The Gunners' first effort arrived in the 19th minute when Martin Zubimendi pounced on a loose ball from Michael Keane, only to blaze over, before Viktor Gyokeres nodded wide as Arsenal began to settle.

The breakthrough came when Jake O'Brien handled a Declan Rice corner, and Gyokeres confidently dispatched the resulting penalty in the 27th minute for his first goal since returning from injury.

Arsenal then dominated possession, but struggled to test Jordan Pickford, with Rice firing wide and Bukayo Saka heading off target.

Everton responded with renewed intent after the break, James Tarkowski clearing off the line to deny Saka following slick interplay with Timber. Chances followed at both ends, with Leandro Trossard and Zubimendi striking the woodwork, yet Arsenal managed the closing stages calmly to secure a third straight victory.

A happy Mikel Arteta heaped praise on his charges, who reclaimed top spot in the Premier League with the win.

"We put in a very solid performance," said the Gunners' manager.

"It's a very difficult place to come against a team that are very organised. They can create very chaotic moments in the way that they play, but I think we controlled it really well, scored the goal and in the second half we talked about scoring the second one.

"So, we went for it, had about three or four big chances, hit the post twice and probably the margin should have been bigger. But yes, defensively, again another clean sheet. We haven't conceded any chances throughout the game, so a positive evening."

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