Arsenal 5-1 Everton: Player ratings as win ends season on a high

Arsenal ended their Premier League campaign on a high with a 5-1 thumping of Everton.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel, Cedric and Martin Odegaard capped off the rout. While Champions League qualification wasn’t reached, the home fans were treated to a superb afternoon of football.

Needing a win and an unlikely Norwich victory over Tottenham, Arsenal started on fire, dominating possession, and pinning Everton back.

With 25 minutes gone, Arsenal was given a penalty after former Gunner Alex Iwobi was adjudged to have handled the ball after a Gabriel Martinelli shot. Following VAR intervention, the Brazilian stepped up and lashed home his spot-kick.

Arsenal doubled their lead just minutes later as Bukayo Saka’s corner was flicked on at the front post for Eddie Nketiah to head home from close range.

Donny van de Beek pulled one back for the relaxed visitors before half-time, but the Gunners would go on to assert their dominance again in the second half. Cedric Soares scored wonderfully to restore the hosts’ two-goal advantage before Gabriel and the excellent Martin Odegaard completed a resounding victory for Arsenal.

Unfortunately, though, Spurs’ 5-0 thumping of Norwich means it’ll be Europa League football for Mikel Arteta’s side next season, but at least they were able to put on a show on Sunday afternoon to end their season on a high.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from the 5-1 win.

Goalkeepers & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6/10 – Barely had much to do all afternoon aside from picking the ball out of the net just before half-time. When he was called into action, he dealt with any attack and commanded his box well.

Cedric Soares (RB) – 6/10 – Another solid outing from the Portuguese right-back. Good defensively as he tracked runs but did not have a lot to do. Took his goal superbly well to cap off a good afternoon.

Gabriel (CB) – 6/10 – Marshalled Dominic Calvert-Lewin well for the majority of the game in an assured display. Took his chance well in the forward half to end his season on a high.

Rob Holding (CB) – 6/10 – Much like Gabriel, Holding was solid without being spectacular. Calm and assured in possession and dealt well with anything Everton had to throw at him, which wasn’t much.

Nuno Tavares (LB) – 4/10 – The left-back showed today why he causes so much frustration. So good at getting forward but lacked the final ball and defensively, several misplaced passes allowed Everton to put his back four under pressure.