Mikel Arteta says Arsenal must learn to finish games off after a narrow 1-0 win at Everton sent them top of the Premier League.
LIVERPOOL: Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta said his side must learn to kill games off while winning after a 1-0 victory at Everton sent them top of the Premier League.
Viktor Gyokeres scored the only goal from the penalty spot for his first goal since November 1.
The Gunners moved two points clear of Manchester City with the win at Goodison Park.
Arteta was again made to sweat for the full 96 minutes against a depleted Everton side.
The Toffees had strong appeals for a penalty turned down when William Saliba caught Thierno Barry.
“The margin should have been bigger,” said Arteta.
“We have to learn while we are winning.”
It is the third time in four years Arsenal will top the table on Christmas Day.
On the previous two occasions they were reeled in by a rampant Manchester City.
Pep Guardiola’s men have won seven consecutive games in all competitions.
Arteta praised the consistency of his players in pushing for a first league title in 22 years.
“It gives me belief and confidence the performances and consistency of the team,” Arteta told AFP.
“That is very difficult to do in this league and that means the team is constantly there.”
Everton missed the injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall and Iliman Ndiaye, who has departed for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Manager David Moyes again bemoaned his side’s lack of a cutting edge in front of goal.
“You can play as well as you like and do good things but we need to get some goals,” said Moyes.
“We’ve not had goals in the last two games, which is the bit that’s been missing really.
“Everything you’d want them to do they did tonight. It was just a bit of quality or trying to hurt Arsenal a bit more.” – AFP
