Arsenal Player Ratings vs Everton: Merseyside Misery

Arsenal lost 2-1 to Everton in Saturday’s Premier League clash.

Without a win in their last six top-flight clashes, the trip to Goodison Park continued the run of ‘must-win’ games for Mikel Arteta‘s Arsenal side at the sight of the last Gunners fixture before the Spaniard took charge.

In similar to that game almost exactly a year ago, there was little in the way of action with Arsenal content to sit in a back five and weather an early storm, one that included non-pressing mantra. Everton went in front but without having a shot on goal, Rob Holding inadvertently directing a cross into his own box after Dominic Calvert-Lewin‘s effort was heading wide.

Nicolas Pepe converted from the spot after Ainsley Maitland-Niles was fouled by Tom Davies, with the scores set to be level until Yerry Mina headed home following some weak Arsenal defending from a corner.

A second half that saw Arsenal much-improved nearly bore fruit when David Luiz struck the post, and while the Gunners dominated the ball against a very poor Everton side on the night, their efforts were futile.

Here are your player ratings from another Premier League defeat.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – 6/10 – Wasn’t too much he could do with Yerry Mina’s header – even if he got a hand to it – with the blame falling on the defenders not picking up his run instead. Made a fine flying save to push the ball out for the corner, but needs his teammates to play their part afterwards.

Rob Holding (CB) – 5/10 – Some of his passing out from the back and when pushed up with possession was sloppy, either over-hit or inaccurate. Could do little about the opener which was just pure bad luck.

David Luiz (CB) – 5/10 – Showed willingness to travel with the ball and try to find and pass forward, but a total lack of movement in front of him forced him to shift the ball sideways, notably about 300 times in the first half. Still, needs to show more organisation in that defence for corners.

Kieran Tierney (CB) – 6/10 – Supported the left flank with his usual willingness and drive, equally clearing crossed into the box effectively.

Didn’t really put a foot wrong.