Arsenal got the job done - and that was about it.
There were just three shots on target between the two teams in an entirely forgettable match, Arsenal running out 1-0 winners over Everton through a Viktor Gyokeres penalty.
The Gunners could have doubled their lead to put the match to bed before the final whistle, but instead they had to remain switched on until the end.
It was not a great performance by any means, but as the fixtures come thick and fast at this time of year, ticking off the wins is all that matters.
Here’s what Standard Sport’s Matt Verri learned at the Hill Dickinson Stadium...
Arsenal hold nerve late on
This should not have been as close as it was for Arsenal.
The first half was played at walking pace and the Gunners were unable to kill off the match after the break, with Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi both curling efforts against the post and Bukayo Saka having a shot cleared off the line.
With it remaining 1-0, the opportunity was there for Everton to pile the pressure on in the closing stages. Arsenal, though, kept them at arm's length.
This was a far more impressive display in holding on to a narrow lead than they produced a week ago in a nervy, cautious defeat of Wolves.
Here, Everton did not have a single shot after the 80th minute, even with six added on.
Piero Hincapie had been shaky earlier in the match but he stepped up with several clearances in his own box and Arsenal also kept the ball much better.
Gabriel Jesus did a good job of frustrating Everton in the corner and it meant late drama never felt hugely likely.
Pressure eased on Gyokeres
Arteta has insisted in recent press conferences that the goals would come for Gyokeres and the striker's wait was ended here.
Gyokeres came into the match without a goal since November 1 and looking for his first since returning from a hamstring injury.
There were better signs in terms of the Arsenal players understanding the striker.
Bukayo Saka, Leandro Trossard and William Saliba all played early passes in behind for Gyokeres. Nothing came from those, but these were better signs in bringing the best out of him.
Gyokeres' goal came via an emphatic penalty and he now needs to kick on over the festive period to turn it into a sustained run of form.
There is plenty for him to improve on. He wanted a penalty for slight contact from O'Brien when he should have just scored from barely a couple of yards out.
More than once Gyokeres needed to hold the ball up better too. He was shrugged off by Vitalii Mykolenko in the second half.
The goal alone, though, meant this was at least a step forward.
Chance to end Christmas hoodoo
Manchester City's win over West Ham earlier in the night increased the pressure on Arsenal, who were bumped down to second in the table for a few hours.
The Gunners responded to pick up the three points they needed to return to the summit and that is where they will spend Christmas.
It is the fifth time in the Premier League that Arsenal have sat top of the table on Christmas Day. On none of the previous four occasions have they gone on to win the title.
That includes the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons under Arteta, which both ended with Arsenal finishing second to City.
With the squad much stronger this time and Arsenal hardened by their experiences, Arteta will be desperate to ensure it is a role reversal.
