Viktor Gyokeres ended a barren goalscoring run from the penalty spot to send Arsenal back top of the Premier League with a 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday night.
Arsenal had been usurped at the top of the table by Manchester City earlier on Saturday, but restored their two-point advantage despite another unconvincing performance.
The Gunners needed a stoppage time winner to see off bottom-of-the-table Wolves last weekend and struggled to cut loose against a depleted Everton.
However, one goal was enough to ensure Arsenal are top at Christmas for the third time in four years.
In both the previous occasions, they failed to go on and win the title as they were reeled in by City.
EPL: Man City thrash West Ham to go top as Chelsea fightback frustrates Newcastle
Erling Haaland was City’s inspiration once more in a 3-0 win over West Ham as he took his tally for the season to a remarkable 38 goals for club and country.
The difference in class between their respective number nines may prove to be what costs Arsenal a first league title in 22 years.
But their own Scandinavian striker at least ended his wait since November 1 for a goal.
Arsenal’s normal penalty taker Bukayo Saka stood aside to allow Gyokeres to hammer the penalty past Jordan Pickford.
The league leaders had failed to win on their previous three Premier League road trips to allow City to close in, but ran into the Toffees at the right time.
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