Arsenal won 3-2 against Everton on Sunday evening to move up to 9th in the Premier League table thanks to a clinical brace from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang. The Arsenal striker, who is now the joint-top scorer in the league, provided two top-class finishes either side of half-time to ensure the Gunners just about stay in the hunt for top four.
But it was a testing afternoon for Mikel Arteta’s side, who conceded in the opening minute when Dominic Calvert-Lewin pounced on the defence’s apathy to put the visitors 1-0 up with an improvised finish.
Eddie Nketiah linked up with fellow academy graduate Bukayo Saka to draw Arsenal level and Aubameyang then grabbed his first with an open-body far-post curling finish reminiscent of Thierry Henry.
Against the run of play, Everton then went level on the stroke of half-time when Richarlison bundled home from a set-piece but Aubameyang’s pinpoint header 23 seconds after the break eventually sealed the win for the home side as they held on in the latter stages.
See how Express Sport rated each player out of 10 below…
Arsenal player ratings vs Everton
GK – Bernd Leno – 7
Could have been stronger for the second goal when Richarlison’s challenge made him squirm away from the ball. Made a superb point-blank save from Calvert-Lewin at 3-2 and backed that up when he denied Richarlison 12 minutes from time. Also raced out of goal to make a vital interception late on.
RB – Hector Bellerin – 6
Was given a tough 90 minutes by Richarlison but kept the Brazilian at bay in open play for the most part. Did not get forward as much as usual with most Arsenal attacks coming down the left flank.
CB – Shkodran Mustafi – 5
Not at all convincing from set-pieces but made one particularly strong challenge in the first-half to stop Richarlison in his tracks. One mark chalked off for the new silver hair do.
CB – David Luiz – 6
Sloppy for the opening goal when he missed the chance to head clear and was similarly jumping around aimlessly for the second. But did provide a fantastic through ball for Aubameyang to put Arsenal 2-1 up.
AM – Mesut Ozil – 5
Failed to inject his creative flair into the match with Arsenal getting most joy down the wings in attack.
LW – Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 9
Took his first goal superbly a la Thierry Henry and provided a pinpoint header to importantly put the Gunners ahead again straight after the break. Drifted in dangerously from the wing all evening and was the best player on the pitch. Also mucked in with defensive duties late on.
ST – Eddie Nketiah – 7
Made a good near-post run to prod home Sako’s cross in the first-half and held the frontline well with added support from Aubameyang. Almost grabbed a second with a curling effort which rattled the bar late on.
Subs
Bukayo Saka – 6
Replaced Kolasinac after 18 mins. Another enthusiastic performance from the teenager who was clumsy in periods, giving the ball away a few times in the second half. Made something out of nothing with his assist for Nketiah.
Lucas Torreira – N/A
Replaced Ceballos after 76 mins.
Matteo Guendouzi – N/A
Replaced Ozil after 82 mins.
