Mikel Arteta can toast his sixth anniversary as Arsenal manager from the Premier League summit after his team responded to Manchester City?s challenge with a slender yet merited win at Everton. The Christmas No 1 spot is secure, though Arteta will know more convincing performances are required to hold on until the final reckoning.
Viktor Gy?keres? emphatic first half penalty sealed a valuable away victory against an Everton team missing several important components. Arsenal?s display was more efficient than impressive, more resolute than domineering, but this was a test of character after three away games without a win in the league and having lost top spot for the first time since mid-October shortly before kick-off. Arteta?s side ensured City?s stay in first place would be brief.
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