Gyokeres urges Arsenal to stay grounded in title race

On Dec 21, 2025

Viktor Gyokeres has insisted Arsenal will take nothing for granted despite finishing top of the Premier League table at Christmas.

Arsenal ensured they would be at the top of the festivities, with a 1-0 win at Everton on Saturday night. Gyokeres’ goal made the difference for the Gunners, as the Swedish striker emphatically converted a penalty, following Jake O’Brien’s handball.

Mikel Arteta’s side sit two points clear of Manchester City and Gyokeres insisted there is still plenty of football to be played before Arsenal can look into the table.

The Gunners have already topped the table at Christmas four times, including twice in the last three seasons, and have failed to win the Premier League each time. In total, 17 of the 33 teams who were top of the Premier League at Christmas won the title, a success rate of 52%.

“It’s always a good feeling to win football matches and be top of the table, but it doesn’t mean much because it’s a long way to go and (there are) a lot of matches to play,” Gyokeres said after the win at Everton.

Gyokeres discusses decision to take responsibility for penalty

Gyokeres took responsibility for the penalty, despite the presence of regular taker Bukayo Saka on the pitch. Asked about the decision, the player of the summer said: “We talked a bit on the pitch. It was an easy conversation and then I accepted it. To be honest, a few months ago I took one, and it was good to take one back and score.

“We don’t think about it too much, we just wait for the decision. Then you know it’s a penalty and you just wait for the normal procedure. Nothing special, really.”

Read – Longest streaks without a win in Premier League history