Arsenal vs Everton Player Ratings: Jordan Pickford error costs the Blues

Everton’s disciplined defensive performance was undermined by a Jordan Pickford error right at the end as Arsenal won 2-0 at Emirates Stadium.

Despite the absence of James Tarkowski and Jarrad Branthwaite, the Blues backline held their own against the league leaders for most of the contest. Mikel Arteta’s side struggled to create meaningful chances because of Everton’s defensive positioning.

Dwight McNeil had a couple of great chances in the first half, hitting the far post off the latter while David Raya’s outstretched leg prevented Beto from scoring in the second half.

Just when it seemed that Everton would be able to pull off a massive draw and affect the title race, a moment of misjudgement from Pickford allowed Arsenal to capitalise. The Everton goalkeeper came out of his area to clear Max Dowman’s cross but failed to get proper contact on it. It fell kindly for Viktor Gyokeres who tapped it into an open net a minute before the end of regulation time.

Chasing an equaliser, Everton had several players committed forward, including Pickford. Dowman led a quick breakaway counter and ran the ball into an empty net with the final kick of the game.

The 2-0 scoreline is a harsh reflection for what was a dogged and determined performance away from home against the league leaders.

Here are the player ratings from the contest:

Jordan Pickford: 5

Made an error in judgement when he came off his line to meet Dowman’s cross and left his goal exposed for Gyokeres to tap into. He also spilled a shot from Bukayo Saka in the second half which was cleared by James Garner. A forgettable day in office for England’s number 1, who had earlier made good saves off Eberechi Eze and Saka, including a spectacular save from the latter in an offside position.

James Garner: 7

Forced to play at right back after both Tarkowski and Branthwaite were unavailable for this fixture, Garner made things difficult for the likes of Noni Madueke and Gabriel Martinelli. He made a crunching tackle on Declan Rice and took the ball of Madueke with a perfectly-timed challenge in the second half. Was great from set-pieces as usual.

Jake O’Brien: 6.5

Playing in his natural position at centre-back, O’Brien’s towering presence helped thwart long balls, corners and set-pieces aimed at the box.

Michael Keane: 7.5

Keane outmuscled Kai Havertz after the German was seemingly through on goal. He also dealt well with shots and passes from outside the box.

Vitalii Mykolenko: 7

Mykolenko put in a fine defensive shift up against two of the best wingers in the league in Saka and Dowman. Made a couple of vital interceptions.

Tim Iroegbunam (replaced by Merlin Rohl at 86’): 7.5

Handed a start after a long time, Iroegbunam was disciplined and screened the backline well. He also made some vital interceptions and didn’t allow the opposition to dominate central areas.

Idrissa Gana Gueye (replaced by Tyrique Geroge at 90+4’): 7

The veteran midfielder was all over the pitch and had a strong influence both defensively and while going forward. Combined well with the likes of Ndiaye, Beto and Dewsbury-Hall to evade Arsenal’s pressure. He also made two vital blocks in the box early on.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall: 6

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall had a good shot at the half-hour mark saved by David Raya. He kept probing and building forwards but didn’t offer the greatest of final products. He also had to work very hard off the ball tonight.

Dwight McNeil (replaced by Harrison Armstrong at 86’): 7

McNeil had the best chances of anyone in the game before the double whammy at the end. One of his efforts was blocked by Calafiori in spectacular fashion while the winger struck the far post from a swerving shot. He also worked his socks off trying and tracked back constantly.

Beto (replaced by Thierno Barry at 69’): 7

Despite not scoring, Beto produced a mature display at the Emirates Stadium. He offered a constant outlet and focal point for the visitors to build out of and evade Arsenal’s pressure and his absence was felt when he was replaced by Thierno Barry towards the end. 

Beto also had a chance to score but Raya produced an outstretched leg to deny Everton’s number nine.

Iliman Ndiaye: 6

Ndiaye played the ball into the box that led to the initial chance for McNeil. However, he had to focus a lot on his defensive duties in the second half and couldn’t enjoy a lot of licence going forward and creating chances.

Substitutions

Thierno Barry: 5

Struggled to provide the same kind of physicality or focal point like Beto did for most of the contest.

Merlin Rohl: 6

Won a foul in the middle of the pitch to relieve pressure off his side.

Harrison Armstrong: 5

Failed to track Piero Hincapie’s run shortly after coming on who was played through by Eze on the flank.

Tyrique George: N/A

 

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