Arsenal grab Xmas top spot

Haaland boosts City, Tottenham implode

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Arsenal's Viktor Gyokeres shoots from the penalty spot to score their first goal against Everton. AFP

(AFP)

Arsenal ensured they will top the Premier League at Christmas with a 1-0 over Everton, while Liverpool survived a nervy finale to beat nine-man Tottenham 2-1 on Saturday.

Manchester City briefly moved top of the table after Erling Haaland's double inspired a 3-0 win over West Ham.

Arsenal restored their two-point lead thanks to Viktor Gyokeres' penalty but failed to shine in grinding out victory on Merseyside.

It was a tale of penalty appeals at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Arsenal had strong claims waived away for a foul on Gyokeres seconds before they were awarded a spot-kick for a Jake O'Brien handball, that the Swede converted.

Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi hit the post after the break for the visitors, but Everton were furious that two challenges on Thierno Barry inside the area went unpunished.

City continued to apply pressure on the Gunners with a seventh consecutive win in all competitions.

Yet, Pep Guardiola was still far from satisfied as he demanded improvements if City are to win a seventh Premier League title under his tenure.