Everton faced Premier League title-chasing Arsenal without their most talented forward Iliman Ndiaye, away with Senegal at the Africa Cup Of Nations, as well as Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall, who is sidelined with a hamstring injury.

After Manchester City had completed an expected victory over West Ham earlier on Saturday, Arsenal knew only a win at Everton would return them to the top of the Premier League table at Christmas.

A game of blocks and buffeting challenges, flashes of guile interlaced with much more gusto, was defined by two penalty reviews. VAR Michael Salisbury rightly identified Jake O’Brien’s obvious handball to give the spot kick which Gyökeres converted, yet William Saliba somehow escaped punishment for a stray swipe of Thierno Barry in the second half.

A once-debt-ridden Premier League club finds themselves on much firmer footing. Following Everton now is a different beast entirely

Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta enjoyed watching his side banish their recent struggles on the road with a 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday that puts them top of the table over the Christmas period thanks to a Viktor Gyokeres penalty gifted to them by Toffees defender Jake O'Brien.

With Leeds United vs. Crystal Palace also kicking off at 8 p.m. GMT, Everton and Arsenal will have to share the TV schedule. Both matches are available via Sky Sports, with the clash on Merseyside shown on the Main Event and Ultra HD channels. Sky GO provides for those on the small screen.

Everton got the first corner of the match which was delivered by Garner. Tarkowski forced a throw in which was met by Barry but his shot was blocked by Timber. McNeil delivered the resulting corner but it was atrocious. Moyes was not happy.

Declan Rice was in sensational form against Everton on Saturday, as Arsenal secured the three points with a combative performance.