Arsenal’s recent victory over Everton on Merseyside was a gritty affair, securing three vital points but leaving fans and pundits alike questioning the team’s attacking fluency. While the Gunners sit atop the Premier League table at Christmas—a position they’ve held in two of the last three seasons without ultimately claiming the title—the spotlight has intensified on their striker options. Viktor Gyokeres, the summer signing from Sporting Lisbon, converted a controversial penalty to seal the win, but it was substitute Gabriel Jesus who injected life into the attack late on. As Mikel Arteta navigates a packed festive schedule, the puzzle of who leads the line—Gyokeres or Jesus—has become Arsenal’s most pressing conundrum, especially in the wake of a refereeing call that could have swung the game the other way.
The match at Goodison Park epitomized Arsenal’s recent form: resilient but far from ruthless. After a lackluster performance against Wolves that Arteta deemed “unacceptable,” the team needed a statement. Instead, they delivered a turgid first half, marked by cautious play under the weight of title expectations. Manchester City, just two points behind, have been dismantling opponents with ease, scoring three goals in each of their last two outings. In contrast, Arsenal scraped past two struggling sides, relying on moments of fortune rather than dominance.
The turning point came via a penalty that has sparked heated debate. Everton’s Thierno Barry appeared to be fouled in the box by William Saliba, with the defender swinging late and clipping the forward’s heel. Many, including this writer, saw it as a clear spot-kick—echoing a similar incident a couple of seasons ago when Gabriel Jesus was denied a penalty against Aston Villa after Douglas Luiz kicked his heel. Consistency from officials is a constant cry from fans, but so too must be consistency in our own judgments. Had the referee pointed to the spot for Everton, the game could have ended in a draw, derailing Arsenal’s momentum. Instead, the Gunners escaped unscathed, and earlier in the match, they benefited from a baffling handball decision that gifted them their own penalty.
Step forward Viktor Gyokeres. The Swedish striker, who has faced scrutiny for his adaptation to the Premier League’s intensity, showed his ice-cool composure from 12 yards. No doubts there—Gyokeres is a penalty specialist, and his strike was the difference-maker. Yet, his overall performance was mixed. Poor service from teammates limited his impact, and while he explained post-match why he took the kick over regulars Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard (citing his confidence and track record), questions linger about his all-around fit in Arteta’s system. Is he the physical presence Arsenal craved, or is his technical level still catching up to the demands of challenging for the title?
Enter Gabriel Jesus, the Brazilian who has been biding his time on the bench. For the third consecutive game, Jesus came on as a substitute and transformed the attack. His movement, link-up play, and energy made Arsenal look far more fluid and threatening. With Crystal Palace looming in the Carabao Cup quarter-final on Tuesday, Jesus is tipped to start, and his performance could dictate the pecking order when the Premier League resumes against Brighton on December 27. Kai Havertz’s impending return from injury adds another layer, but the real intrigue is between Gyokeres and Jesus—who offers the spark Arsenal need to match City’s firepower?
Arteta’s squad depth is a blessing, with unused substitutes like Noni Madueke, Eberechi Eze, Ethan Nwaneri, Christian Norgaard, and Myles Lewis-Skelly providing fresh legs for the midweek clash. Late introductions of Gabriel Martinelli and Mikel Merino kept key players rested against a Palace side fatigued from two games in three days. But depth alone won’t solve the striker riddle. Gyokeres brings goals and physicality, evidenced by his spot-kick heroics, but Jesus provides the dynamism that elevates the entire front line.
Looking ahead, Arsenal’s next five Premier League fixtures—compared to those of City and Aston Villa—will test this resolve. Tough away trips like Turf Moor, the Stadium of Light, Villa Park, St. James’ Park, Anfield, Old Trafford, and Stamford Bridge have already been conquered this season, but the second half promises more challenges. Arteta remains optimistic, citing the team’s consistency and ability to grind out results in difficult venues. “What gives me belief is the level of performance and the consistency,” he said post-match. “We’ve dealt with a lot already, and we’re there.”
Yet, for Arsenal to go all the way, they must find that extra gear. The dubious referee decision at Everton bought them time, but it can’t mask the underlying issue: the Gyokeres-Jesus puzzle. Gyokeres’ penalty prowess is official—he’s the man for the big moments from the spot—but Jesus’ impact off the bench suggests he could reclaim his role as the starter. Arteta’s decision over the festive period could define the title race. Will the Swede solidify his place, or will the Brazilian’s flair prove irresistible? One thing’s certain: Arsenal can’t afford to get it wrong if they’re to end their title drought.