Arsenal v Everton: Player Ratings

MAN OF THE MATCH- A wonderful save in the final minutes preserved all three points for Arsenal. Proving week in and week out why he was worth every penny of his transfer fee.

One of Arsenal’s heroes from the game against Bayern, he enjoyed a bit of a mixed bag today. It’s a testament to his quality that even when he’s not great, he’s still pretty good.

Arlo White had it right. Gabriel is in imperious form. Could have done better with a header early-on, but he stood up well to the physical Merseyside attackers.

One or two mistakes on the day, but for the most part he was his usual, reliable self. Breakdown in communication with Gabriel on Lukaku’s header off the bar. Headed a beautiful ball past Howard to double the lead.

Tasked with dealing with Deulofeu for much of the day, he ran out the clear winner. Not quite up to his recent standard of performances, but Gibbs is no closer to getting in the team.

Charged around the middle of the field well and completed 100% of his first half passes. As I said a couple weeks ago, he’s actually developed into a quality passer. Picked up yellow but was smart not to put himself in a position to draw red.

Sometimes sat deeper than Coquelin, though as the situation heated up toward the end, he moved up the field for a little bit more assuredness in possession and more of a chance for a killer ball. Wonderful ball whipped in for Laurent Koscielny’s goal.

Did nothing to give Arsene Wenger a selection headache in the future. While a good runner and a weapon in the counterattack, his penchant for gifting the ball to the opposition led to an Everton goal again.

Played a delightful ball from wide on the right flank for Olivier Giroud to run onto for the opener, and built on his spate of recent performances. Wenger talked about Mesut Ozil being in his prime now, and it’s really starting to look like it.

Worked hard, deserved a goal, and nearly had one after a clever Giroud dummy let him fire one into Tim Howard’s arm. Hopefully he’ll get a rest against Sheffield.

I think every facet of Giroud’s game has gotten better. His hold up play is better than ever, he’s looking to be more ruthless in front of goal (see: chest to volley attempt) and he’s striking well from good positions (see: shot off the bar). Theo Walcott will probably remain first choice, but Giroud’s attitude has been first rate.

If you’re going to leave us exposed at the back to become a second striker, do us a favor and put that header in the back of the net.

Came on late, probably wouldn’t deserve a rating but that corner play and getting Barry sent off is good enough in my book.