Arsenal have long had a tricky relationship with December, a month that has historically seen their campaigns stumble.
Saturday night’s clash at Hill Dickinson Stadium could have been another chapter in that story — but instead, the Gunners found a way to keep their season on track.
A Familiar Pattern Almost Repeats
In past Decembers, Arsenal have dropped points against teams they were expected to beat.
December 2023 saw losses to Fulham, West Ham, and Aston Villa, while the following year included draws with Fulham and Everton.
Recent weeks, with a defeat to Villa and a narrow escape against Wolves, hinted that the familiar midwinter wobble might be on the horizon.
Gyokeres Secures the Win
That narrative was interrupted by Viktor Gyokeres’ decisive penalty, giving Arsenal the three points.
Everton may feel hard done by, with referee Sam Barrott denying them a penalty after William Saliba accidentally kicked Thierno Barry, yet Arsenal had struck the post twice and could have extended their lead on a different night.
December Still Holds Challenges
Even with the Everton victory, Arsenal still face games against Brighton and Villa before the month is out.
But the win lays a foundation for the team to enter Christmas with confidence, having learned from past stumbles.
Premier League titles are decided over months, not days, yet December has historically been a stumbling block — one Mikel Arteta is keen to navigate more successfully this year.
Psychological Edge Over Manchester City
The victory was made sweeter as Manchester City beat West Ham earlier in the day, momentarily moving above Arsenal in the table.
The Gunners, already aware of the psychological scars left by City’s dominance in previous seasons, needed to respond.
Their 2-point lead atop the league now provides a buffer, but also sends a message: this team is not about to crumble under pressure.
Odegaard’s Leadership Shines Through
Martin Odegaard played a pivotal role in the win, displaying the selflessness that has long defined his captaincy.
He set up Gyokeres’ penalty in a gesture reminiscent of his assist to Kai Havertz in September 2023.
Gyokeres, who has struggled since returning from injury, benefited from the confidence boost, showing why leadership on and off the ball matters in tight contests.
Signs of Revival in Performance
Odegaard’s first half was subdued, but he began to dictate play in the second, linking passes and creating opportunities — including a chance for Martin Zubimendi that struck the post.
While injuries have interrupted his season, the glimpses of form suggest that Arsenal’s midfield orchestrator is returning to his best.
Arteta Sees Room for More
Arteta acknowledged the improvement in Odegaard’s second-half performance, highlighting his verticality and ability to exploit spaces as Everton pressed higher.
The manager senses there’s more to come, but for now, the victory is a significant step in breaking the December curse.
Heading into Christmas on Top
With Arsenal now top at Christmas for the third time in four years, the Gunners can enjoy the festive period with optimism.
The December hoodoo, once a recurring specter, appears to be at least temporarily behind them, and the team heads into the final fixtures of the year with momentum and belief.
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