Arsenal top at Christmas as Odegaard fitness looms in bid to stave off City

Arsenal moved two points clear at the top of the Premier League after a 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday, a result that arrived as Manchester City briefly topped the table earlier in the day following their own win at West Ham. The victory preserves Arsenal’s hold on first place into December and gives them a chance to address a downturn that has haunted past campaigns, with two December fixtures upcoming against Brighton and Aston Villa. The club’s ability to sustain their lead hinges in large part on the health and form of captain Martin Odegaard, whose fitness has become a focal point of the title bid.

Viktor Gyokeres converted a late penalty to seal the win for Arsenal at Goodison Park. Everton had reason to feel aggrieved when a Saliba challenge on Thierno Barry did not result in a penalty; Arsenal also hit the woodwork twice and could have added more goals on another night. The result was enough to send Arsenal two points clear, papering over concerns that December might again bring a stumble.

Odegaard’s influence extended beyond the late penalty. In a week when questions swirled about the creativity around the armband, the captain had previously handed Havertz a spot-kick in September 2023 when the German was enduring a goalless run, a gesture cited by teammates as evidence of his leadership. In the Everton match, Odegaard started slowly but grew into the contest, weaving a string of forward passes and contributing to moments that nearly unlocked Everton, including a pass that set up Martin Zubimendi for a shot that pinged off the post in the 69th minute. While Odegaard has battled injuries this season, there were glimpses of the form that has defined Arsenal’s best years, and his play helped the visitors press for a decisive moment after halftime.

Arteta praised his captain’s evolution in the second half, noting that the team found space and became more vertical in attack as the game progressed. The manager added that Arsenal should have wrapped the match earlier and that Odegaard’s willingness to drive the ball forward was central to generating chances against a stubborn Everton side. The strong second-half display offered a tangible sign that Odegaard’s rest and rotation schedule might be paying off, even as the Gunners prepared for a demanding December calendar.

Beyond the stick and passes, the result carries a larger psychological message for City. Pep Guardiola’s team have often punished Arsenal under pressure in recent seasons, most notably in the 2022-23 campaign when Arsenal led for 248 days before relinquishing the title. The latest win reinforces the mental edge Arsenal hope to borrow as the race enters the festive period, with City chasing from behind and the Gunners trying not to falter in December. For the title bid to stay intact, Odegaard’s fitness will be crucial, and Arsenal will need him to stay on the pitch and in form through the month.

Arsenal have topped the table at Christmas for the third time in four years, a marker of consistency they aim to convert into title-winning momentum. December fixtures against Brighton and Villa will test the club’s resilience as they seek to erase the memory of past campaigns when December form undermined a strong start. If Odegaard remains healthy and Arsenal can maintain discipline, the path to a sustained title challenge will appear clearer as the season progresses.