Everton 1-0 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners suffer second league defeat

Arsenal were beaten in the Premier League for just the second time all season as Sean Dyche led Everton to a 1-0 win over the league leaders.

Buoyed by their recent managerial switch, the Toffees began the contest in rampant fashion and their intensity never seemed to waver. Dyche’s game plan was excellent, using Eddie Howe’s blueprint to slowing the Gunners down in wide areas, as chances arrived at both ends in the opening period.

Everton then took the lead on the hour as James Tarkowski headed home Dwight McNeil’s inswinging corner. It was a deserved lead, and Mikel Arteta, who had made a double change before the opener, turned to his bench for a source of inspiration.

However, the flat visitors were no match for the determined hosts, who quelled everything the Premier League leaders through at them after taking the lead. Arsenal had chances, but very few were of high quality as Everton saw their slender advantage home.

Everton 1-0 Arsenal player ratings

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from Goodison Park.

Goalkeeper & Defenders

Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 5/10 – There was the odd hairy moment in possession but there was little he could do to deny Tarkowski from taking the lead. Wasn’t convincing under the high ball.

Ben White (RB) – 4.5/10 – White was off the pace at Goodison Park. The dogged and direct McNeil gave him a few issues when he drove down the flank. The Arsenal defender was uncharacteristically sloppy in possession at times, too.

William Saliba (CB) – 5.5/10 – A mixed bag for Saliba, who did not enjoy facing up against the excellent Dominic Calvert-Lewin. He was caught out on a couple of occasions, but there were dominant defensive sequences that we associate with the young Frenchman.

Gabriel (CB) – 6/10 – Not an easy outing for Gabriel, but the Brazilian stood firm. Positioning was largely good, and it was Saliba who had more issues against Calvert-Lewin.

Oleksandr Zinchenko (LB) – 6/10 – Started efficiently, but his inversion didn’t have a great impact as Arsenal struggled to assert control. Produced a couple of errant attempts at goal in the closing stages.

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Midfielders

Thomas Partey (DM) – 6/10 – Everton’s combative midfield shackled the Ghanaian at times, but his withdrawal before the hour was still a surprise. Perhaps he isn’t quite 100%.

Granit Xhaka (CM) – 5/10 – Xhaka’s decision-making and execution in the final third let him down because he found himself in some excellent positions.

Martin Odegaard (CM) – 5/10 – Tried his utmost to influence proceedings with smart off-the-ball runs, but it just wasn’t Odegaard’s day. Little influence with the ball and spurned a good opportunity in the second half.

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Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) – 6/10 – This was a slog for Saka, who was up against the seemingly possessed Vitaliy Mykolenko. While the Arsenal winger had some success, the aggressive Mykolenko held up superbly one-on-one. Came close to scoring on a couple of occasions.

Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 5.5/10 – Linked up play nicely for the most part but his finishing let him down. Seemed isolated at times.

Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 5/10 – The Brazilian was far from his best again. While he offered glimpses after the restart, Martinelli was replaced by Leandro Trossard just before the hour.

Substitutes

Jorginho – 4/10

Leandro Trossard – 4.5/10

Fabio Vieira – 5/10

Takehiro Tomiyasu – 5/10