Arsenal, as in their narrow win against Wolverhampton Wanderers, lacked fluency and were nowhere near their best, but those with aspirations on winning the Premier League title sometimes just need to get the job done.
They did exactly that, with the response they required after dropping down to second in the table after Manchester City’s win earlier in the day.
The Gunners were given a generous helping hand when Everton’s giant defender O’Brien inexplicably thrust both hands above his head when attempting to clear a corner.
It was a present gratefully accepted by Gyokores who, since the start of the 2023-24 season, has now scored all 19 penalties he has taken in league football for Sporting and Arsenal.
The Gunners created the better chances in the second half, hitting the woodwork through Trossard and Zubimendi, which had they scored might have made life easier in the closing moments, but in the end Gyokores’ penalty was enough to claim the three points.
For all Everton’s endeavour, Arsenal’s defence and goalkeeper David Raya were rarely troubled and were able to close out a vital win with few anxious moments.