Arsenal go two points clear at Christmas as Odegaard's fitness becomes key to fending off City

Arsenal moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League on Saturday with a 1-0 win at Everton, a result that sharpened their mood heading into Christmas and underscored the persistence of a title bid that Manchester City are eager to undermine.

Viktor Gyokeres fired home from the spot to seal the three points after a calculated move that underscored a moment that began with Martin Odegaard handing him the ball from the spot. The goal gave Arsenal the win on Merseyside and extended their lead to two points, a psychological edge as the season's run to the new year picks up pace.

Odegaard's gesture to Gyokeres was the defining moment before the penalty, echoing a similar act from September 2023 when the captain gifted Kai Havertz a spot-kick against Bournemouth as Arsenal led 2-0. 'Yes, I agree with that (it was a kind gesture) and as well the confidence on the player because obviously he (Gyokeres) practices every day and he's an unbelievable athlete. He put the ball in the back of the net, so I love when players take ownership and decide by themselves what is the best decision. That's something really positive,' Arteta said.

Yet it was not all about the incident off the ball. Odegaard produced a more impactful showing after a tepid first half, weaving a few neat passes forward and setting up Martin Zubimendi—whose shot struck a post on 69 minutes—before the interval. He is not at the peak of the form that defined him in earlier seasons, partly due to periodic injuries this term, but signs of a revival were evident as Arsenal pressed to capitalise on their lead.

'He was much more vertical as well [in the second half]. We found some spaces, and we found him to have more vertical attacks as well,' Arteta said. 'The moment they [Everton] started to be more aggressive in their press, and in those moments, we should have decided the game a bit earlier.' The manager indicated there is more to come from a captain who has long been central to the Gunners’ approach. For now, he could at least take consolation in a Christmas start that places his side ahead of City and a reminder that there is still time to fix December's recurring demons.

Arsenal's win at Everton, coupled with City’s earlier victory over West Ham that briefly sent Guardiola’s men top, widened the psychological gap and underscored the mental battle at the core of this season's title race. City, who have inflicted scars on Arsenal in recent campaigns, will know there is a fight on their hands if their neighbours maintain this level.

Looking ahead, Arsenal still have fixtures to navigate this month, including matches against Brighton and Aston Villa. The club will be hoping Odegaard can sustain his improved fitness and form, giving them the balance they need to navigate December’s challenges and extend their advantage into the new year.