Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Rare days off for tame Odegaard and uncomfortable Xhaka
James Tarkowski headed Everton forward from a corner on the hour mark to condemn Arteta’s side to back-to-back losses and leave them looking nervously over their shoulders at Manchester City, who beat them in the FA Cup last week and face Tottenham on Sunday.
Dan Kilpatrick was at Goodison Park to rate Arsenal players…
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
Made smart saves at the feet of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Idrissa Gueye’s deflected shot, but perhaps he could have been more assertive for Everton’s goal.
Ben White – 5
Lost the excellent Amadou Onana for Everton’s best chance in the first half and offered little possession.
Gabriel – 5
Given a tough review by the Calvert-Lewin physique.
Guillaume Saliba – 5
Lacked his usual composure in the face of a fierce Everton press.
Oleksandr Zinchenko – 6
Struggled to exert his usual influence on the game and make inroads in a crowded midfield.
Thomas Partey – 6
Kept it simple and tested Jordan Pickford with a trademark curling effort but not at his best following a rib complaint.
Xhaka Granite – 5
Uncomfortable with Everton’s aggression and press in midfield and was overpowered except for a blocked shot.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Arsenal’s sharpest player and unlucky to see an effort clear of the line in the first half.
Martin Odegaard – 4
Shot a big chance over the bar after good work from Nketiah. Lost Tarkowski for the goal and hooked early.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Well organized by Seamus Coleman and too often crowned.
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Blazed high and wide from a good position in the first half but worked tirelessly.
Substitutes
Jorginho (Partey 58′) – 6
A difficult situation to live for his debut but a well recycled possession.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 58′) – 6
Tested Pickford with fierce effort.
Fabio Vieira (Odegaard 76′) – 5
Couldn’t help but break through in a late cameo.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (White 84′) – N/A
Unused substitutes: Turner, Tierney, Kiwior, Holding, Cozier-Duberry.
Sports standard
