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.

Midfielders & Wing-Backs

Ainsley Maitland-Niles (RWB) – 5/10 – A mixed bag in defending one of either Richarlison or Ben Godfrey, sometimes losing the duel to easily while other times doing enough. Did well in winning the penalty and showed endeavour, at least. Played a a ball at the end that should have been converted.

Mohamed Elneny (CM) – 4/10 – It was another sub-par showing from Elneny, who’s short but sweet string of early season form is beginning to fizzle out. At the end of the day, he’s on OK player who has been performing beyond his capabilities in a side weak all over.

Dani Ceballos (CM) – 4/10 – Lucky to be on the pitch? Impossible to tell whether it was intentional or not but he could easily have walked for that perceived stamp. Aside from that, he didn’t have the necessary quality in areas where it was desired. He just wasn’t very good.

Bukayo Saka (LWB) – 6/10 – Any of Arsenal’s better moves came through some combination involving Bukayo Saka, who if anything wasn’t on the ball enough. The interchanging with Tierney almost saw him play left-back more than left-winger.

Nonetheless, he was, as usual, one of the biggest threats and one of the few players showing for the ball.

Forwards

Nicolas Pepe (RW) – 6/10 – The only player offering movement in the final third was Pepe, who repeatedly attempted to receive a diagonal ball across Ben Godfrey but also was direct in his approach, particularly in the second half. Was lively but can do more. Remarkably, one of the biggest threats without being especially good.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 4/10 – Struggles to play the lone striker role but any centre-forward in Europe would if they were in this team. The movement across the pitch is non-existent, static at best. Snapped at a chance in the first half when he had time to take a touch, and while his struggles are a reflection of the team’s, he needs to show for the ball more.

Willian (LW) – 3/10 – No effort, no running, no threat, no desire, no reliability, no strategy, no quality. No good.

Did better moving centrally in the second half but you can’t forgive.

Substitutes

Joe Willock – 4/10 – Over-hit a cross for Gabriel Martinelli and showed endeavour, while also should have got his header on target late in the game.

Gabriel Martinelli – 6/10 – Solid cameo from the Brazilian who offered Arsenal everything they’ve lack up front this season. Constantly moving, dragging defenders out of position and demonstrating pure desire to do well.

Alexandre Lacazette – 5/10 – Came on and looked lively, demanding possession and making a