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Player Ratings: Arsenal 3-1 Everton

That’s it, Arsenal have missed out on Champions League football for the first time in 21 years. 

In what was a game that ended in a slight end of season fashion, Arsenal actually started with plenty of energy and dynamism. The Gunners were all over Everton and after only eight minutes, that domination came to fruition as Bellerin opened the scoring, although Danny Welbeck should’ve tapped it in before the Spaniard had a chance. After the goal, Arsenal looked as though they were going to run away with it until a rash challenge saw Laurent Koscielny sent off – he will now miss the FA Cup final. Even with 10 men, however, Arsenal continued to push on and secured a second through the mercurial Alexis Sanchez, his 24th in the league. 

The second-half was a much more drab affair as both teams looked to get through the game. Lukaku pulled one back via the penalty spot after a Monreal handball before Aaron Ramsey scored the goal of the day to seal the win for the Gunners, although the victory was basically meaningless. 

So here are the player ratings from today’s game…

Petr Cech: 8/10 

An outstanding performance from the Czech ‘keeper. Everton had multiple chances to get back into the game in the first-half and but for Cech and yes, some poor finishing they could’ve had a couple of goals. A very solid game for Petr Cech, shame he couldn’t keep a clean sheet to cap off a brilliant display 

Hector Bellerin: 8/10 

This is the Bellerin we got accustomed to watching last season. His energy up and down the flanks was superb and he was rightly rewarded for that effort with a goal. If Bellerin can play like this, Oxlade-Chamberlain’s loss all of a sudden doesn’t feel so great. 

Gabriel: 7.5/10 

What a terrible way to finish your season. Gabriel was having a superb game until he was forced to leave the pitch with what appeared to be quite a serious knee injury. It looks as though he will miss next week’s final. 

Laurent Koscielny: 5/10 

Got sent off after a very rash challenge on Enner Valencia. Due to that, Koscielny will now miss next week’s FA Cup final – a big loss. 

Rob Holding: 6.5/10

A not so solid game for holding but after a series of top performances, we’ll  let the Englishman off this week. 

Nacho Monreal: 7/10

Bar the handball, Monreal had a solid game today. The Spaniard had to step in and help lead a defence which was coming under pressure from Everton and he did it well. 

Aaron Ramsey: 7/10 

The Welshman did have some moment of sloppy play but overall, he had a good game. His forward runs once again pushed Arsenal forward, while his goal was a great way to finish the game. 

Granit Xhaka: 6.5/10 

Arsenal needed Xhaka to stamp his authority today but after the red card for Koscielny, Xhaka’s role completely changed. Instead of being tasked with running the game, the Swiss international was asked to do a lot more defensive work whilst also pushing forward at times. Arsenal need back to his best next week. 

Alexis Sanchez: 7.5/10 

Once again, El Nino Maravilla popped up to score, taking his tally to 24 goals and he arguably could’ve had more. Unusually, the Chilean seemed slightly indecisive going forward as he only had a 69% pass accuracy. Still, though, the Chilean provided star quality when his team needed it. 

Mesut Ozil: 7.5/10 

Another good game from Ozil. He wasn’t able to dictate the game as much as usual but his interplay and runs were still superb. His recent form bodes well for next week…we hope. 

Danny Welbeck: 6/10 

Not the best game from Welbeck. His work rate was there but the finishing was not. In fairness, his role changed when Arsenal went down to 10 men but even though Arsenal still got forward well, Welbeck couldn’t have an effect on the game.

Substitutes:

Alex Iwobi: 6/10

Came on late and didn’t really do much. 

Per Mertesacker: 6/10

Came on for Gabriel and did well enough.

Francis Coquelin: 6/10 

Had no real effect on the match. 

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