Arsenal ensured they would remain top of the Premier League table at Christmas with a narrow 1-0 victory over Everton on Saturday, holding off pressure from champions Manchester City, who also claimed a convincing win. Meanwhile, Liverpool edged past nine-man Tottenham in a dramatic encounter, while Chelsea staged a comeback to ease pressure on manager Enzo Maresca.
Manchester City briefly climbed to the summit earlier in the day after Erling Haaland scored twice in a 3-0 win over West Ham. However, Arsenal restored their two-point lead later in the evening thanks to a hard-fought victory at Everton.
The Gunners struggled to impose themselves but secured all three points through a Viktor Gyökeres penalty after Jake O’Brien was penalised for handball. Everton were left aggrieved by several refereeing decisions, having seen penalty appeals for fouls on Thierno Barry waved away. Arsenal nearly extended their lead after the break, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both hitting the post.
City’s win at the Etihad marked their seventh straight victory in all competitions, with Haaland opening the scoring after five minutes before setting up Tijjani Reijnders for his first City goal. Haaland later added his 38th goal of the season for club and country. Despite the win, manager Pep Guardiola warned his players that improvement was still needed if City are to claim a seventh Premier League title under his leadership.
At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Liverpool beat Spurs 2-1, despite a tense finish. Spurs were reduced to nine men after Xavi Simons and later captain Cristian Romero were sent off. Liverpool took control through goals from Alexander Isak and Hugo Ekitike, although Richarlison’s late strike caused a nervy ending. Liverpool manager Arne Slot admitted his side struggled in the closing minutes, describing them as “chaotic and hectic.”
The win lifted Liverpool to fifth place, while Tottenham remain stuck in 13th, increasing pressure on manager Thomas Frank.
Chelsea stayed fourth on goal difference after rallying from two goals down to draw with Newcastle. A stunning Reece James free-kick sparked the comeback before João Pedro capitalised on a defensive error to level the score. The result offered some relief for Enzo Maresca, who has faced growing scrutiny amid inconsistent form.
Elsewhere, Wolves’ miserable season continued with a 2-0 home defeat to Brentford, leaving them still without a league win. Burnley ended a seven-game losing run thanks to a late equaliser from Armando Broja in a 1-1 draw at Bournemouth. Leeds moved clear of the relegation zone with a commanding 4-1 win over Crystal Palace, inspired by a brace from Dominic Calvert-Lewin, while Sunderland climbed to sixth following a goalless draw at Brighton.
With the festive fixtures underway, Arsenal head into Christmas on top, but the title race remains tightly contested.
