Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta praised his team’s resilience and mental strength after a narrow but crucial 1–0 victory over Everton away from home, a result that lifted the Gunners to the top of the Premier League table heading into the Christmas period.
The decisive moment came from the penalty spot, with Viktor Gyökeres converting calmly after Everton defender Jake O’Brien gifted Arsenal the opportunity. While the margin of victory was slim, Arteta felt the overall performance marked an important turning point following a difficult run of away fixtures.
In recent weeks, Arsenal had dropped points on the road with draws against Sunderland and Chelsea, along with a loss to Aston Villa. Those results allowed Manchester City to close the gap at the summit of the table. However, the controlled display at Everton’s new stadium suggested the North London side may have moved past that turbulent stretch.
Speaking after the match, Arteta emphasized the importance of embracing the emotional journey that comes with winning. He described victories as a mixture of pressure, challenge, and reward, insisting that these moments are essential in shaping a title-contending team.
The Spanish coach, who previously played for Everton, acknowledged the difficulty of securing a positive result on Merseyside. He noted that Everton’s disciplined defensive setup made the match tense, particularly after Arsenal failed to capitalize on their dominance in the second half.
Arteta admitted his side had chances to put the game beyond doubt, saying that scoring a second or third goal would have allowed his players to manage the closing stages more comfortably. Instead, Arsenal had to remain focused and composed until the final whistle, a test he felt his team handled well.
The victory moved Arsenal onto 39 points, placing them two points clear of Manchester City, who had briefly taken top spot earlier in the day following a convincing win over West Ham. Despite reclaiming first place, Arteta downplayed the significance of league standings at this stage of the season.
He stressed that consistency, performance levels, and mentality matter more than position in December, highlighting that the title race remains long and demanding.
Ultimately, Arteta viewed the win not just as three points, but as evidence of his squad’s growing maturity, especially in challenging away environments. As the festive schedule approaches, the Arsenal manager believes this display of grit and discipline could prove vital in the months ahead.
