Everton 0-1 Arsenal Player Ratings: Gyokeres Penalty Decides Tight Contest 0-1

The visitors Arsenal won the match but have shown signs of a consistent decline in form. In the previous couple of matches, Arsenal have not performed up to the mark and today was another display of a poor performance against Everton. However Arteta and company clinched 3 points but they have to make some improvements to remain at the top spot until the end of the season.

The entire match swung on one moment. A clumsy challenge from Jake O'Brien in the box. The referee pointed to the spot and Swedish striker Viktor Gyokeres converted the penalty. That was the difference maker of the game. Later on Leandro Trossard and Spanish midfielder Zubimenedi hit the woodwork but it looked like it was not Arsenal's day for open goals.

Everton battled hard but lacked that final bit of quality to really trouble David Raya's goal. In the end, it was a classic away win for Arsenal–not pretty, but three vital points secured and the Gunners secured their first position for now in the EPL table.

Here are the Everton Vs Arsenal Player Ratings

Everton Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Here are Everton Player Ratings vs Arsenal

Goalkeeper

Jordan Pickford - 6.0: Couldn't do anything about the penalty, sending him the wrong way. He wasn't tested much otherwise. His distribution was a bit erratic, with only half his passes finding a teammate. We noticed his frustration growing as the game wore on. A quiet day at the office, defined by one moment he was powerless to stop.

Defenders

Michael Keane - 7.0: A really solid performance from Keane. He was a rock at the back, winning most of his aerial battles and making some crucial tackles. His partnership with Tarkowski looked strong. He read the game well, intercepting play and clearing danger effectively. A no-nonsense defensive display.

James Tarkowski - 7.5: Led by example. He was immense for Everton, throwing himself in front of everything. Made five clearances, including one off the line that kept them in it. Yes, he got a yellow card, but it was from a necessary tactical foul. He was vocal, organised, and a true warrior, even trying to create chances going forward.

Jake O'Brien - 5.5: It's tough, but his game will be remembered for conceding the penalty. It was a clumsy, needless challenge that cost his team the match. Before that, he looked okay, but the mistake seemed to affect his confidence. A harsh learning curve for the defender in a game of such fine margins.

Vitaliy Mykolenko - 6.0: Had his hands full with Bukayo Saka and it showed. He battled hard and never gave up, but he was dribbled past a couple of times and picked up an early yellow. He was solid enough defensively but offered little support in attack. A difficult afternoon against a top-class opponent.

Midfielders

Dwight McNeil - 6.0: A strangely subdued performance from McNeil. He struggled to get involved in the game and his usual creative spark was missing. His crossing wasn't at its best and he was eventually substituted. From our perspective, he just couldn't find the space to influence the proceedings.

Jack Grealish - 6.0: What stood out to us was seeing him in an Everton shirt, a genuine surprise. He was quiet by his standards. He drew a couple of fouls but failed to create any clear-cut chances and lost the ball more than he would have liked. It felt like he was still finding his feet in this system.

Carlos Alcaraz - 6.5: Brought energy and drive to the midfield. He wasn't afraid to have a shot, forcing one save from Raya. He worked tirelessly, trying to press and win the ball back, but his final ball was lacking. A decent outing before being subbed.

James Garner - 6.5: Neat and tidy in the heart of midfield. His pass completion rate was impressive, and he kept things ticking over for Everton. He also put in a defensive shift, recovering the ball eight times. However he couldn't provide the creative pass to unlock Arsenal's defence.

Tim Iroegbunam - 7.5: Our pick for Everton's best player. He was a machine in midfield. His tackling was immense, winning six of his seven attempts. He broke up play relentlessly and was a constant thorn in Arsenal's side. An all-action display that deserved more.

Forwards

Thierno Barry - 6.0: It was a thankless task for him up front. He was isolated and had to feed off scraps. He battled hard in the air but struggled to hold up the ball and link play. He never stopped running but had little to no service to work with.

Manager

D. Moyes - 6.5: His game plan almost worked perfectly. He set his team up to be defensively sound and frustrate Arsenal, and for large parts, they succeeded. The penalty undid all their hard work. The lack of attacking threat, however, remains a major concern that he needs to address.

Arsenal Player Ratings vs Everton

Here are Arsenal Player Ratings vs Everton

Goalkeeper

David Raya - 7.0: Had one of the quietest games he'll ever have. Made one save and commanded his area well, claiming every high ball with confidence. His distribution was excellent, helping launch attacks from deep. A spectator for large periods but did everything required of him perfectly.

Defenders

William Saliba - 6.5: A bit of an off day for the usually imperious Saliba. He looked uncomfortable at times, losing more duels than he won. His passing was still crisp and he made a few important clearances. He was solid, just not spectacular by his own high standards.

Piero Hincapié - 7.0: We were surprised to see him in the lineup but he put in a strong shift. He was excellent on the ball and made a staggering ten clearances. He was tough in the tackle and positionally sound. A very impressive and composed performance.

Jurriën Timber - 7.0: Looked incredibly sharp. He was a threat down the flank, creating a chance and always offering an option. Defensively, he was solid, winning most of his tackles. It's great to see him back playing with such confidence and quality.

Riccardo Calafiori - 6.5: Did his job without much fuss. He was strong in his duels and kept possession well. He didn't offer a huge amount going forward, but he was defensively secure and didn't make any notable errors. A steady, if unspectacular, performance.

Midfielders

Martin Ødegaard - 7.0: He was the architect, constantly trying to pick the lock. He created four chances for his teammates, probing and passing with intent. He was a little frustrated at times by Everton's deep block. The final, killer pass just eluded him, but he was central to everything good Arsenal did.

Martín Zubimendi - 7.5: So unlucky not to be a goalscoring hero after his shot cannoned off the post. He was a calming presence in midfield, controlling the tempo alongside Rice. His passing was accurate and intelligent, and he was rarely caught out of position. A classy display.

Declan Rice - 8.5: The best player on the park by a country mile. He was absolutely immense. He bossed the midfield, breaking up play with ease and recovering the ball ten times. His range of passing was superb, and he even created a big chance. A truly dominant, Man of the Match performance.

Forwards

Bukayo Saka - 7.5: A constant menace on the right wing. He was direct, aggressive, and had the beating of his man all game. His final product wasn't quite at its peak, but he was always involved, taking players on and getting shots away. A tireless and threatening performance.

Viktor Gyökeres - 7.5: Another interesting name on the teamsheet. He proved to be the match-winner. He showed nerves of steel to slot home the penalty under pressure. Beyond the goal, he was a physical presence, occupying the defenders and getting into good positions. Job done.

Leandro Trossard - 6.5: He will be having nightmares about the post. He was inches away from giving Arsenal the lead from open play. He was busy and looked sharp in pockets of space but seemed to fade as the game went on. A frustrating outing for a player who could have easily been on the scoresheet.

Manager

M. Arteta - 7.0: His team got the job done. It wasn't pretty, and they once again struggled to break down a well-drilled, low-block defence. He will be relieved to get the three points, even if the performance was more functional than fluid. The win is all that matters.

Sportsdunia's player of the match is Declan Rice