After back-to-back home wins against London rivals Chelsea and Fulham, Arsenal visited Merseyside to clash heads with Everton. The Toffees suffered a defeat against Liverpool in the Merseyside derby, but they snatched a result this afternoon at Goodison Park, thanks to Iliman Ndiaye’s spotkick that cancelled Leandro Trossard’s first-half strike.
Below are the Arsenal players rated in their 1-1 draw against Everton.
Could have done little to deny Ndiaye from the spot. Did his job as the sweeper-keeper, and he hardly had to make a decisive save throughout the contest.
Ben White: 6.5
Still working on his match fitness after a long injury layoff. Was handed his first start since November, and the right fullback looked worn out while making way for Jurrien Timber around the hour mark.
William Saliba: 6.5
Dominated the duels and exhibited his passing expertise. But the Frenchman had some nervy occasions against Everton’s swift transitions with Beto spearheading the attack.
Jakub Kiwior: 7.5
Gabriel’s season-ending hamstring injury earned him an opportunity to impress in the heart of the backline. The Polish centre-half was resolute with timely blocks, interceptions and clearances. Also showed his calmness and composure while playing it out from the back.
Myles Lewis-Skelly: 6
Was lively down the left with marauding runs, crosses and cut-insides. But his foul on Jack Harrison led to Ndiaye’s equalizer from the spot. Made way for Kieran Tierney for the final 15 minutes of the contest.
Jorginho: 6.5
Started as a deep-lying playmaker and tried to orchestrate Arsenal’s build-ups by winning duels and stretching the game down the wide with his swift passing and technical traits. Lost a few duels and tackles in the centre of the pitch before being replaced by Martin Odegaard midway through the second half.
Mikel Merino: 7
Despite his scoring streak as a makeshift ‘number 9’, the Spaniard was deployed from his preferred midfield role this afternoon. Looked combative with his box-to-box movements, and tried to threaten the visitors with his aerial supremacy from the crosses and set-pieces.
Declan Rice: 7
Came close to finding the net from a couple of set-pieces. Worked extremely hard as he kept on carrying the ball forward from the deep to operate in the advanced areas of the pitch.
Ethan Nwaneri: 6
Could not cause enough menace in the Toffees’ defence. had a tough time against Nathan Patterson while attempting to drift inside from the right-hand flank. Made way for Bukayo Saka before the second half.
Leandro ...
