Arsenal's 'only problem' noted on Match of the Day as Mikel Arteta warned over repeat

Arsenal secured their place at the top of the Premier League over Christmas with victory over Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium. Viktor Gyokeres' first-half penalty proved the difference as Mikel Arteta's men stood firm.

This result pushed the Gunners up to 39 points out of a possible 51 so far this season, with closest challengers Manchester City sitting just two points behind after their comfortable win over West Ham on Saturday.

Third-placed Aston Villa also have the opportunity to shorten their gap to Arsenal to three points when they face Manchester United on Sunday.

So, it is no guarantee Arsenal will be crowned champions next May despite their advantage over the festive period - especially when their record is to be considered.

"Look, that's a massive win because that was a tough game tonight. They've obviously took that moment of madness, scored the goal, stayed in front," Joe Hart discussed on BBC Match of the Day.

"A few difficult decisions for the referee but ultimately it is about winning at this stage of the season and being on top of the league, because they know they've got a dominant Manchester City breathing down their necks."

Host Kelly Cates responded: "The only problem is that they have been here before. They have been top of the Premier League table at Christmas and they haven't yet won it when they have been top at Christmas."

Four times the Gunners have led at Christmas - 2002/03, 2007/08, 2022/23 and 2023/24 - and it has not been enough to get them over the line.

When all sides are considered, in 16 out of the 33 past Premier League campaigns the leaders at Christmas have failed to see the job through.

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