Declan Rice and Viktor Gyokeres Moment Sums Up Arsenal’s Response to Man City Challenge

Everton 0-1 Arsenal: Gunners Show Grit on Merseyside to Go Back Top of the Premier League

Arsenal’s gritty performance on Merseyside has seen them respond to Manchester City‘s challenge and reclaim the top spot in the Premier League. Viktor Gyokeres’ thunderous penalty was the decisive moment in a low-quality contest, and Declan Rice’s leadership played a significant role in the Gunners’ statement win.
Rice, who has consistently stepped up when Mikel Arteta needs a leader, was the standout player on the night. His usual physical indefatigability was on full display, and he contributed to Arsenal’s win with his tireless efforts.
The match itself was an attritional affair, with both teams struggling to find their rhythm. Arsenal fashioned a couple of half-chances, but it was Gyokeres who made the difference with his penalty. The £64million striker has struggled to adapt since his big-money move, but his conviction in scoring the penalty was a welcome sight.
Gyokeres’ penalty was the highlight of a first half that was dominated by Arsenal. Everton, missing a couple of key players, were unable to mount any significant attacks, and their expected goals figure at halftime was a paltry 0.0.
The second half saw Arsenal continue to dominate, but they were unable to add to their lead. Declan Rice set up a sitter for Leandro Trossard, but the Belgian’s clipped effort clipped the post. Zubimendi also had a chance, but his shot was denied by the post.
Arsenal’s wastefulness in front of goal made the closing stages a little more fraught than they needed to be, but the result was never in doubt. Manchester City had thrown down the gauntlet, and Arsenal and Rice had picked it up.

Details

– Date: December 20, 2025
– Result: Everton 0-1 Arsenal
– Premier League Table: Arsenal reclaim top spot
– Key Players: Declan Rice, Viktor Gyokeres
– Match Highlights: Gyokeres’ penalty, Rice’s leadership

Source: Link