Arteta urges top Arsenal to learn amid victories

Mikel Arteta, Arsenal manager, indicated that his team needs to master closing out matches decisively when ahead, after regaining the Premier League lead via a tight 1-0 triumph over Everton.

Viktor Gyokores converted the lone goal via penalty, his initial strike since 1 November, propelling the Gunners two points beyond Manchester City.

Yet, having depended on an added-time own goal to overcome last-placed Wolves the prior weekend, Arteta once more endured anxiety throughout the full 96 minutes on Merseyside versus a weakened Everton side.

The Toffees seldom posed a risk, yet their firm penalty claims were dismissed in the latter half after William Saliba felled Thierno Barry.

"The scoreline ought to have been wider," Arteta remarked. "We must learn as we secure wins."

This represents the third instance in four years where Arteta squad occupies the summit come Christmas Day.

Still, the earlier pair of times saw them overtaken by an unstoppable City outfit.

Guardiola charges have claimed seven successive victories spanning all tournaments, eroding a prior seven-point advantage atop the standings.

Arteta nonetheless lauded his squads steadfastness in chasing their maiden league crown after 22 years.

"The teams showings and reliability foster my trust and assurance," Arteta shared with AFP. "Achieving that in this competition proves exceptionally challenging, signifying the squads persistent presence."

Everton lacked the offensive edge from hurt Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall alongside Iliman Ndiaye, now committed to the Africa Cup of Nations.

David Moyes reiterated frustration over missing a central forward, as they netted nothing despite robust endeavour.

"You can play as well as you like and do good things but we need to get some goals," said Moyes.

"Weve not had goals in the last two games, which is the bit thats been missing really.

"We done a lot of things, the players effort, the spirit. Everything youd want them to do they did tonight. It was just a bit of quality or trying to hurt Arsenal a bit more."