Pain in the Arsenal
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Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Leno howler gifts defeat

By Henry Payne

LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Bernd Leno of Arsenal lets in a shot through his legs as Richarlison of Everton scores a goal to make it 0-1 during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images)
LONDON, ENGLAND - APRIL 23: Bernd Leno of Arsenal lets in a shot through his legs as Richarlison of Everton scores a goal to make it 0-1 during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Everton at Emirates Stadium on April 23, 2021 in London, United Kingdom. Sporting stadiums around the UK remain under strict restrictions due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in games being played behind closed doors. (Photo by James Williamson - AMA/Getty Images) /
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Arsenal, Bernd Leno
Arsenal player ratings vs Everton as Bernd Leno gifts visitors 1-0 win with shocking error. (Photo by James Williamson – AMA/Getty Images) /

After a scandalous few days off the pitch, Arsenal returned to competitive Premier League action with a 1-0 defeat against Everton.

In the hours before the game, thousands gathered outside the Emirates Stadium to protest Stan Kroenke’s ownership. Flares and signs were abundant, and the chants impassioned. One thing is for certain, they made their voices heard.

Neither side created any serious chances in the game opening 30 minutes. Bukayo Saka’s snapshot failed to trouble Jordan Pickford, but Everton soon gave Bernd Leno a scare.

Allan played a nice pass into Richarlison, who swam inside Pablo Marí before forcing a sharp save from the goalkeeper. The crossbar prevented Gylfi Sigurðsson from scoring another free-kick against Arsenal just before the break.

Arsenal player ratings vs Everton as Bernd Leno gifts visitors 1-0 win.

Sigurðsson nearly got his goal moments into the second half, however, Rob Holding made a crucial block.

Minutes later, Dani Ceballos went down in the area under the slightest contact. VAR confirmed the foul but brought play back to a tight offside call in the buildup.

Arsenal began to show a little more authority. Calum Chambers soon missed an excellent chance to give them the lead, Ceballos then had a long-distance effort palmed away.

However, it was Everton who took a late lead. Richarlison skated past Granit Xhaka, and his tame cross somehow trickled through Leno’s legs. It proved to be the winning goal.

Everton’s English striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (L) vies with Arsenal’s Spanish defender Pablo Mari (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 23, 2021.
Everton’s English striker Dominic Calvert-Lewin (L) vies with Arsenal’s Spanish defender Pablo Mari (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on April 23, 2021. /

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Bernd Leno (GK) – 4.0/10 – Made some sharp saves in the first half; one from a deflected cross and another from a stinging Richarlison effort. He then gifted Everton their winner.

Calum Chambers (RB) – 6.5/10 – Started the game with a lovely cross and was otherwise very solid. Should have done better with his volley, but has certainly distanced himself from Cédric Soares and Héctor Bellerín.

Rob Holding (CB) – 6.5/10 – Tonight’s captain shadowed the returning Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who proved to be a worthy opponent. Dealt well with a dangerous Sigurdsson free-kick early, and for the most part, won the battle against Everton’s dangerous striker.

Pablo Marí (CB) – 6.5/10 – Like his partner, Marí had to deal with a very capable and physical opponent. After Gabriel’s struggles against Fulham, do not be surprised to see Marí against Villarreal on Thursday. There is a calmness to his play, both offensively and defensively.

Granit Xhaka (LB) – 7/10 – Looks very comfortable at left-back, especially with the extra time he is afforded in possession. Had a couple of bad moments in the second half, but recovered nicely.

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