Gyökeres’ penalty sends Arsenal back to Premier League Summit

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Viktor Gyökeres’ first-half penalty fired Arsenal back to the Premier League summit after the Gunners edged Everton 1–0, reclaiming top spot they had briefly surrendered earlier in the day following Manchester City’s result.

At Goodison Park, Arsenal showed composure under pressure to grind out a narrow but crucial victory that restored their title momentum.

The decisive moment arrived in the 27th minute, when VAR intervened to award a penalty after a handball in the Everton box. Viktor Gyökeres stepped up and calmly dispatched the spot-kick beyond Jordan Pickford, sending the travelling supporters into celebration.

The goal proved enough on a night where chances were at a premium. Arsenal controlled possession for long spells, probing patiently through Bukayo Saka, Martin Ødegaard and Leandro Trossard, but were denied further goals by the woodwork and last-ditch defending.

Gyökeres himself was withdrawn in the second half after a tireless display, while Martin Zubimendi and Trossard both struck the post as Arsenal pressed to kill the game.

Everton, under David Moyes, responded with renewed intensity after the break and thought they might have a route back when appeals for penalties were raised, only for VAR to again intervene, this time in Arsenal’s favour.

David Raya remained largely untroubled, dealing comfortably with late crosses as the hosts pushed for an equaliser.

The closing minutes were tense but controlled, with Arsenal seeing out six minutes of added time to secure all three points.

The win was significant not just for its narrow margin, but for its timing: it lifted the Gunners back above Manchester City after briefly slipping behind earlier in the day.