Arsenal v Everton: Player Ratings- Pain in the Arsenal

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Arsenal pulled two back in the closing stages at Goodison Park to earn a hard fought point from the league encounter with Everton. A glimpse of a new-look side featuring Alexis up top lasted for 45 minutes, before a reversion to the typical scheme helped save a point. Here are your player ratings:

Arsenal pulled two back in the closing stages at Goodison Park to earn a hard fought point from the league encounter with Everton

Szczesny: 7.0

Szcz took a little flak for not doing better with the first goal, but I’m not sure it’s fair. The ball was floating to his left, where he would have seen Lukaku lurking, causing him that moment of hesitation that cost him. Did well to get a hand to it. Little to be done on the second one, but no keeper likes getting the ball flicked under him for a goal when going to ground.

Debuchy: 7.2

He did very well in the opening stages after some poor touches immediately following the kick-off. Always so willing to get forward, there is real danger of him being caught out and forcing good recoveries by his centre-backs and defending midfielders. Slowly grasping the concept that the ball doesn’t always have to be passed forward.

Chambers: 6.8

While I’m never one to say “I told you so,” I did tell you. Because of his confidence on the ball, he can be drawn forward up into more of a midfield zone. It may not be a huge concern when the other back is a man with pace (Koscielny), but it is rather important to get it right when the other back is a man with treacle feet (Mertesacker). Still- a mostly solid performance from a very young lad.

Mertesacker: 6.7

He’s not all there yet. The BFG had a bit of a mixed bag. Some miscommunication with his young partner coupled with a few really great clearances later in the match give him an average score. A lot of Arsenal fans wanted a foul on Lukaku on THAT bit of play, but I can understand it not being given in the heat of the match. I assign only a small bit of blame to Mertesacker for trying to get there first.

Monreal: 7.3

A really lovely ball into Giroud for the goal to tie it, Monreal did well standing in for the injured Kieran Gibbs. He’s a player who can sometimes be a bullied a bit at the back, but when he’s able to get forward he shows real quality and ability to ping the ball around well.

Flamini: 7.2

He possesses a bit more steel than Mikel Arteta, but his distribution is inferior. He’s going to be an important player for the next run of games and really needs to get his yellow-carding in check. On a good day, he’ll buzz around and make the necessary tackles and do the necessary screaming. Today was good enough.

Wilshere: 7.4

When this kid is on, he shows true brilliance. He’s wonderful with the ball at his feet and is probably the best pure 1-2 passer in the squad. Controlled possession better today, but if Ozil is moved from left to center (as he should be), Jack may well lose his place in the side.

Ramsey: 7.3

Wasn’t quite there for the Welshman today, but he made a fantastic run that was spotted well by Cazorla and did well to slot home between two sliding defenders. He wasn’t at his gale-force best and tried a couple silly extravagant flicks, but the effort was there until the end and it made a difference.

Oxlade-Chamberlain: 7.1

Boy, is he fun to watch. The Ox was the most dangerous player on the pitch at times for Arsenal and, although his shots were lacking, his direct play and ability to cut inside to bounce off Wilshere and Ramsey and start runs always provides a little spark.

Ozil: 6.6

Rough game out for Ozil. He’s a bit off the pace which is to be expected, though he still delivered a couple delicious balls here and there. Should be played through the middle so he can have the luxury of pinging them off Giroud and picking out Alexis runs on the right side.

Alexis: 7.1

Arsenal fans got the first real taste of him in the middle. He’s dangerous anywhere he plays, but the lack of a real stud up top to hold the ball up damaged Arsenal today. Worked hard for the 45′ he was out there, including trekking back and providing cover for Chambers.

Cazorla: 7.3

Looks to be settling in again. A little bit of showmanship right before he delivered a delicious ball across the face of goal for Ramsey to slot home made things a bit easier to swallow. Good performance to build up the confidence he may have been lacking given his last couple performances.