Everton 0-1 Arsenal: Player ratings as Gunners battle to victory against Toffees

Arsenal secured a 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to return to the top of the Premier League table and ensure they sat at the summit for Christmas.

Mikel Arteta made a number of changes to his side with Riccardo Calafiori a notable reintroduction at left back after his return from injury. Captain Martin Ødegaard took Eberechi Eze's place in midfield while Leandro Trossard replaced Gabriel Martinelli on the left wing.

After a tense opening to proceedings, it was Everton who found their feet first as they began to trouble the Gunners with a number of chances, but solid defending kept them at bay.

Arsenal eventually started to cause their own problems and they were rewarded when they won a penalty 25 minutes in. As Riccardo Calafiori rose to meet a corner, Jake O'Brien took the ball off him with a handball and a VAR check led to the spot kick being awarded.

Viktor Gyökeres, in need of a confidence boost, stepped up to take the penalty and fired a thumping effort past Jordan Pickford to put his side ahead, an advantage they took into half-time.

Everton came out from the break as the more dangerous side, but it was the Gunners who went close to scoring once again. A good cut back pass by Jurrien Timber led to Bukayo Saka sending a low strike at goal, but it was well blocked.

The hosts felt hard done by near the hour mark when they were denied a penalty by VAR after William Saliba appeared to catch Thierno Barry's foot during an attempted clearance.

Arteta's side went so close to doubling their lead as a brilliant team move culminated in Trossard striking from the left side of the box, but he couldn't curl his effort enough, instead seeing it hit the post.

Both sides continued to hunt for the next goal, but it didn't come as Arsenal saw out a slender, but crucial victory on their maiden visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium, sending them back to the top of the league table after being temporarily leapfrogged by Manchester City.

Here are the Arsenal player ratings from their 1-0 win at Everton.

Everton 0-1 Arsenal player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 7/10 - Distributed the ball well and even started a move with a long pass in the first half. Constantly claimed the ball when in the air and didn't really put a foot wrong.

Jurrien Timber (RB) - 7.5/10 - Made his usual runs down the right side and linked up well with Saka as a result. Set up his teammate with a neat cutback pass, but the resulting shot was blocked. Did his defensive work really well.

William Saliba (CB) - 6.5/10 - Got away with one as he avoided conceding a penalty for a kick on Barry. Battled well with his compatriot and later Beto, but not the most outstanding performance at the back.

Piero Hincapié (CB) - 7/10 - Steady performance in defence as he helped his side deal with the Everton press.

Riccardo Calafiori (LB) - 7/10 - Made some good runs down the left, often inverting and switching with Hincapié. Contributed defensively when required.

Midfielders

Martin Ødegaard (CM) - 7.5/10 - Created a number of chances for his teammates with some good passes. Handed the ball to Gyökeres for the Swede to take the penalty. Replaced with minutes to go.

Martín Zubimendi (CM) - 6.5/10 - Struck the foot of the post with an effort from the edge of the box. Got away with one after a risky challenge on Barry could have ended in a penalty being awarded.

Declan Rice (CM) - 7/10 - Running constantly as always. Set Trossard up after a swift move, but the Belgian's shot struck the post. All over the pitch once again.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka (RW) - 7.5/10 - Saw a low goal bound strike well blocked early in the second half. Influential on the right flank as he linked up well with Timber and Ødegaard.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 7/10 - Put his side ahead with a powerful penalty. Booked for delaying the restart in the second half. Wasn't too involved aside from his goal, leading to his withdrawal just past the hour.

Leandro Trossard (LW) - 6.5/10 - Almost ended a brilliant move with a goal, but his effort struck the post and was cleared. Taken off before the closing stages.

Substitutes

• Gabriel Jesus (65' for Gyökeres) - 6.5/10
• Gabriel Martinelli (on 80' for Trossard) - 6/10
• Mikel Merino (on 88' for Ødegaard) - N/A

Player of the match: Bukayo Saka