Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Rare off-days for tame Odegaard and uncomfortable Xhaka
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Arsenal suffered only a second Premier League defeat of the campaign as Sean Dyche’s inspired Everton marked the manager’s first game in charge with a 1-0 win at Goodison Park.
James Tarkowski headed Everton in front from a corner on the hour 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 the Arsenal players…
Aaron Ramsdale – 6
Made smart stops at the feet of Dominic Calvert-Lewin and from 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 of the first half and offered little in possession.
Gabriel – 5
Given a tough examination by the physical Calvert-Lewin.
William 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 in-roads into a packed 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.
Granit Xhaka – 5
Uncomfortable with Everton’s midfield aggression and press and was subdued, barring a blocked shot.
Bukayo Saka – 6
Arsenal’s liveliest player and unlucky to see an effort cleared off the line in the first half.
Martin Odegaard – 4
Fired a great chance over the bar after good work from Nketiah. Lost Tarkowski for the goal and hooked early.
Gabriel Martinelli – 5
Well-marshalled by Seamus Coleman and too often crowed out.
Eddie Nketiah – 6
Blazed high and wide from a good position in the first half but worked tirelessly.
Substitutes
Jorginho (Partey 58′) – 6
A tough situation to walk into for his debut but recycled possession well.
Leandro Trossard (Martinelli 58′) – 6
Tested Pickford with a fierce effort.
Fabio Vieira (Odegaard 76′) – 5
Could not help fashion a breakthrough in a late cameo.
Takehiro Tomiyasu (White 84′) – N/A
Unused subs: Turner, Tierney, Kiwior, Holding, Cozier-Duberry.
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