Everton 0-2 Arsenal: Player Ratings
Dumped out of the FA Cup and Champions League, and title hopes hanging by a thread – Arsenal’s season could very well have ended against the dangerous Everton when the two sides clashed at Goodison Park. Everton came into the back of an excellent win against Chelsea that sent them into the FA Cup semi-finals. However, Goodison Park has been far from a fortress this season, and a downbeat Arsenal would still believe they can get the result to stay close to table toppers Leicester City.
A blistering first half was followed by a tame second, as Arsenal finally notched a win in the Premier League. Goals from Welbeck and Iwobi sealed the points for the Gunners as they pulled away from the chasing pack, as Roberto Martinez’s Everton were left scratching their heads over what has been a start-stop season.
Everton:
Joel Robles - 5/10 – 5/10
Having finally been granted a run in the first team in place of the errant Tim Howard, Robles had a torrid game against a rampant Arsenal side.
Seamus Coleman – 6/10
He set the game off to a flying start with a motoring run, and had a few good moments going ahead. He had a few tense moments with Coquelin and Monreal in the second half, and invited the referee’s caution.
Ramiro Funes Mori – 5.5/10
Funes-Mori’s partnership with Jagielka has managed to keep the much-vaunted John Stones out of the starting lineup. However, he was run ragged by a scintillating Arsenal performance.
Phil Jagielka – 5.5/10
The veteran centre-back has been called up for England’s friendlies against Germany and Holland. He held the shaky backline together; but really should have put away a header.
Leighton Baines – 5.5/10
Everton’s backline was punished in the first half by Arsenal, but Baines got himself in good attacking positions. The England international put in a few good crosses for Lukaku, who was largely starved of service.
James McCarthy – 5/10
Everton truly missed experienced midfielder Gareth Barry, and the midfield pairing of McCarthy and Besic was completely overshadowed by their Arsenal counterparts.
Muhamed Besic – 5/10
Arsenal utterly dominated the first half, and youngster Besic was the casualty. He was hauled off at half-time for John Stones.
Aaron Lennon – 6.5/10
A hardworking performance by the former Tottenham winger, who was arguably one of Everton’s best players on the night.
Ross Barkley – 5.5/10
One missed header apart, Barkley had very little impact on the game, and was replaced by Deulofeu in Everton’s pursuit of a comeback goal.
Tom Cleverley – 5.5/10
Everton’s attack was largely ineffective against Arsenal, and the former Manchester United man did not trouble Hector Bellerin enough.
Romelu Lukaku – 6.5/10
Having made his desire for Champions League games known in midweek, Lukaku could not have an impact on the game, but he was largely starved off service and was forced wide to create chances for teammates.
Substitutes:
John Stones – 6/10 -
The highly sought-after Englishman was brought on at half-time with Martinez shifting his team to a three-man backline.
Gerard Deulofeu – 6/10 -
The stylish former Barcelona man was thrown on to try and change the game in Everton’s favour.