Mikel Arteta Discusses Viktor Gyokeres and Missed Opportunities Following Everton Win

Arsenal moved to the top of the Premier League after a 1-0 victory against Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium, with Viktor Gyokeres scoring from a penalty. The Gunners dominated the match and earned the three points. However, manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern over the chances missed by his team during the post-match conference.

Arsenal Boss Reflects on 1-0 Win Against Everton

Mikel Arteta Discusses Missed Chances and the Title Race

After Arsenal’s 1-0 success, Arteta talked about the importance of securing the three points and explained the choice to let Gyokeres take the penalty:

“They discussed it among themselves and decided to give it to Viktor, which turned out to be a good choice since he scored.”

“We need to enjoy winning, but we are aware that we will face tough matches ahead,” Arteta commented on being at the top during Christmas.

Reflecting on the tight game and the missed opportunities, he noted: “Yes, but we hit the post twice with players who typically score those chances.”

Improving in the Future

Arteta mentioned areas for improvement, saying: “Understanding what the game requires is key. Knowing when to speed up, when to slow down, and how to be more aggressive is vital. At times, we were more hesitant than necessary, and we can work on that.”

Being at the top at Christmas is a significant boost for Arteta and his team. However, with Manchester City and Aston Villa closely behind, there is no room for complacency. Arsenal has welcomed back important players from injury recently, such as Martin Odegaard and Gabriel Jesus, and more players are set to return, which will enhance their squad depth as the busy 2026 season approaches.