‘We are there’ – Mikel Arteta after Arsenal go top at Christmas following win over Everton

Mikel Arteta hailed the efforts of his Arsenal players after they moved back to the top of the Premier League table at Christmas with a 1-0 win over Everton .

Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal of the game from the penalty spot as the Gunners reclaimed top spot by moving two points ahead of Manchester City , following Pep Guardiola’s side’s win over West Ham earlier in the day .

Asked what gives him confidence that this season will be different and that they can go on to win the Premier League , Arteta responded: “What gives me belief and confidence is the level of the performance and the consistency of that.

“That’s very difficult to do in this league and that means that the team is constantly there.

“Enjoy the process of winning. We’re going to go to difficult places and we’re going to have difficult moments. We have dealt with a lot of things already and we are there for what we want to do. Work for the next game, try to improve and make sure that everybody has that spirit and energy and is enjoying that.”

Arteta also praised the leadership of his Arsenal players, having made the decision themselves that Gyokeres would be the one to take the penalty.

“Very happy for him (Gyokeres),” Arteta said.

“They took ownership on the pitch between Martin and Bukayo and him to decide who was going to take it and they made a great decision because Viktor put the ball in the back of the net.

“I love when players take ownership and decide themselves what is the best decision. That’s something really positive.”