Player Ratings: Everton 2-1 Arsenal
Everton ended Arsenal’s 13-game unbeaten record in the Premier League after winning 2-1 in a lively match at Goodison Park.
Arsenal opened the scoring when Alexis Sanchez scored a free-kick which deflected off Ashley Williams and past the unfortunate Maarten Steklenburg.
The Toffees levelled on the stroke of half time when Leyton Baines’ right-footed cross was headed in by the unmarked Seamus Coleman.
Arsene Wenger’s side came out of the second half lacklustre and never got going, with Everton pressuring the Gunners in an attempt to stop them playing.
Everton took the lead and the game in the last 10 minutes when a Ross Barkley corner was headed in by an unmarked Ashley Williams.
There was late drama as arsenal had the ball cleared off the line with one of the last touches of the game. Olivier Giroud and Alex Iwobi both had chances cleared off the line after the ball was crossed by Alexis with Everton failing to clear.
PLAYER RATINGS
Petr Cech: 7/10
The Czech international made some brilliant saves especially one prior to the Everton corner off Phil Jagielka. Oter than that Cech had nothing much to do as the Arsenal defender dealt with most crosses into the box.
Hector Bellerin: 6/10
Bellerin was not his usual self as he didnt bomb forward with quite the quality we are used to as Everton pressed and hurried Arsenal when they were on the ball. Bellerin was solid defensively with both of Everton’s goal coming from crosses and headers.
Gabriel Paulista: 7/10
Gabriel was suprisingly solid against Lukaku for most of the match. Him and compatriot Koscielny won most of the headers from crosses in open play as they stopped the Belgian from getting a foot hold in the game.
Laurent Koscielny: 8/10
Once again the Frenchman was a wall for the Gunners as he stood firm against Everton’s attack. His interceptions and tackles were in vain for the Gunners as the succumbed 2-1.
Nacho Monreal: 6.5/10
Monreal has played well in recent weeks and played well today. However, the Spaniard could be held to account for Coleman’s header as he was offered acres of space.
Granit Xhaka: 6.5/10
With Arsenal being pressured and hurried, the Swiss had less chances to play his passes and Everton found he perfect game plan when coming up against the Gunners. However, Xhaka’s tackling was good, with the exception of a horribly mis timed tackle in the first half.
Francis Coquelin: 6.5/10
With Everton rarely attacking and Arsenal failing in the quest to build attacks the Frenchman was largely quite in the game. However his contribution in running and tackling can never be understated.
Theo Walcott: 4/10
Completely anonymous during the game and failed to do bis defensive job against Baines when his cross came in for Everton’s first goal.
Mesut Ozil: 4/10
Like Walcott he was anonymous and had no effect on the game. However, he couldve done when he passed up a glorious chance to give Arsenal the lead when shooting over the cross bar.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain: 4/10
No effect on the game so gets a four, nothing else to say other than a shocking night. His decision making was poor and he needs to improve if he wants to ear. A new contract.
Substitutions
Olivier Giroud: N/A
Came on with 20 minutes left and had no effect on the game, no rating given.
Alex Iwobi: 6/10
Had a brilliant chance at the end at the end to draw the game as Baines made a brilliant block on the line. Iwobi did more in his 20 minutes than Walcott and Chamberlain did in their 70 minutes.
Lucas Perez: N/A
Didnt play long enough to make an impact, no rating given
