Everton 0-1 Arsenal: Gunners return to the top with victory at Toffees

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

The creativity and goals from Ndiaye and Dewsbury-Hall have been crucial for Everton this season, especially with Thierno Barry and Beto contributing just two league goals between them, while falling short of Premier League quality.

And the way they were missed after Everton’s good start was undermined by O’Brien’s error which led to the penalty.

Everton harbored a sense of injustice in the second half as they were sure they had won a penalty after William Saliba kicked Barry but the video assistant referee ruled no infringement had taken place.

David Moyes’ side could not be faulted for their efforts, although there were times in the first half after the goal when they allowed Arsenal too much time and space, but any attempts to advance this season will be hampered by the lack of a quality striker.

This problem must be resolved during the January transfer window.

The recalled Dwight McNeil was peripheral, Tyler Dibling’s impact was minimal after coming on, while Jack Grealish did not have one of his most influential nights.

It all added up to pure frustration for Moyes, Everton and Saturday night’s capacity attendance at Hill Dickinson Stadium.