KILLER BLOW NEEDED: ARTETA

Gunners have to seal games while ahead, he says after sweating over 1-0 win at Everton

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Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal from the penalty spot to register his first goal since Nov 1, as the Gunners moved two points clear of Manchester City once more.

But, after needing a stoppage-time own goal to beat bottom-of-the-table Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, Arteta was again made to sweat for the 96 minutes on Merseyside against a depleted Everton.

The Toffees rarely threatened, but had strong appeals for a penalty themselves turned down in the second half, when William Saliba caught Thierno Barry.

"The margin should have been bigger," said Arteta. "We have to learn while we are winning."

The Spaniard, however, also praised his team's grit.

"(Winning was) very important. You need to enjoy the process of winning, and that is going to be a hard moment, a difficult moment, a great moment," he said.

"That’s all part of that intention and how close we are to winning, and that's what we have to enjoy."

It is the third time in four years that Arteta’s men will top the table on Christmas Day.