The Gunners were stunned by a spirited Everton side by 2 goals to one (2-1) following Ashley Williams winner for the hosts in the 86th minute of the game. Arsenal took the lead through Alexis Sanchez who else with the aid of a deflected free-kick off the body of Ashley Williams who made up for the error by scoring the winner for Everton. It was a game where Arsenal’s 14 game unbeaten run was ended in a pulsating encounter.
Following the defeat we take a look at the Player Ratings of our Arsenal players…
GOALKEEPER
PETR CECH 6.0
The experienced goalkeeper had a good game in between the sticks with a fine save to deny Everton but had no chance with both goals as his defence was exposed with two free headers in the box.
DEFENDERS
HECTOR BELLERIN 6.0
Not the best of games from the talented full-back as the game was too physical for him to deal with. Had no room to go on the overlap as he was denied service on the right.
GABRIEL PAULISTA 6.5
One of the best performers on Arsenal shirt tonight as he was available to block Lukaku for a corner and made some brave clearances in the box.
LAURENT KOSCIELNY 6.0
The skipper had a moderate game but should have done better to help his team to at least earn a draw. Made some harsh challenges in the match.
NACHO MONREAL 6.0
The Spaniard showed some fleet movement and flair going forward but was caught napping defensively as he could not cope with the pace of Everton’s attacking forays.
MIDFIELDERS
FRANCIS COQUELIN 6.0
He was hardworking for his team all through the game. He had a great run in the box but could not find the final ball to set up his teammate, and was also guilty with some rough tackles.
GRANIT XHAKA 6.5
One of the top performers for Arsenal with his passing range that picked out Alexis Sanchez on the left but needed to do more defensively.
MESUT OZIL 5.5
Not the best outing for the German playmaker as he misplaced some passes and missed two chances to put Arsenal in the driving seat in the game.
ATTACKERS
ALEX OXLADE-CHAMBERLAIN 6.0
The forward had a moderate game, injecting some pace to the attack but was hauled off as Everton seek to control possession.
THEO WALCOTT 5.0
Theo tried to gain access in the game but was physically not up to it as he was hauled off for French forward Olivier Giroud.
ALEXIS SANCHEZ 7.0
He was on hand to give Arsenal the lead and was Arsenal’s major threat on the night with his turns and intelligent play. Great work rate from the Chilean.
SUBSTITUTES
ALEX IWOBI 4.5
Alex was pretty good in possession and could have put Arsenal in front when played in by Sanchez, but lacked the urgency and incisive play Arsenal needed.
OLIVIER GIROUD 4.0
Giroud was brought on to brighten the visitor’s chances of scoring upfront but he could do nothing as Everton defended stoutly throughout the game.
LUCAS PEREZ 3.0
Late cameo for the forward when things seemed to go out of hand but at least succeeded in forcing Phil Jagielka for a second bookable offence in the game.
Obiweluozo Martins
Why is Perez a 3/10? Weird ratings :/
The game should have been at least a draw and Perez should have been deployed earlier. the same is true for Iwobi. unfortunately, Ozil missed at least two chances. He was not at his finishing skill. For me, he was the reason of the defeat.
Absolutely agree. Ozil just wasn’t on it last night and I thought the Ox should have been moved to number 10 and Perez used for his pressing and pace at 70 minutes. It might even have been a game for doubling up Gibbs and Monreal for the last 15 mins to control Everton’s right side and give a different attacking dimension. Other than that we didn’t do a great deal wrong except being vulnerable to headers yet again.
I would like to know why isn’t Wenger rotating the starting 11 a bit?
Ozil doesn’t look like a player who can play 90 minutes continuously for months on end with no breaks. We also need to rotate our wingers at times when we have so many back to back fixtures. Hopefully when Welbeck comes back we will see more adequate rotation. However, the past (seasons) suggests that this will not happen. Maybe because we didn’t have the luxury in the past but this season we do. In my opinion, it’s not being utilized to yield maximum results.