Arsenal managed to record a 2-0 win against Everton on Sunday, despite starting slowly. Both Giroud and Rosicky got on the score sheet in a game that saw The Gunners move up to third in the table, one point above Manchester United. Here are my player ratings:
David Ospina – 8
Responded well to his poor performance against Monaco. Made a few important saves, controlled his box well, and rushed out of his box to deal with Everton’s long balls on two occasions.
Hector Bellerin – 7
Had a good game – showing composure in defence and lightning pace in attack. His final balls were poor in the first half, but they improved in the second.
Gabriel – 7
Made some comical errors early on, but grew in confidence as the game progressed. His vital challenge on Lukaku was arguably the biggest moment of the match.
Laurent Koscielny – 7
Did make as many mistakes as Gabriel, but didn’t get the Arsenal fans on their feet as much either. A solid game from the Frenchman.
Kieran Gibbs – 4
Slowed down our passing and took too much time on the ball. Needs to improve or risks losing his place to Monreal.
Francis Coquelin – 7.5 (Replaced by Chambers in the 89th minute)
The young Frenchman had a really strong game. Showed both fight and finesse – controlling the game with intelligent passing and battling on after breaking his nose.
Santi Cazorla – 7
Didn’t get on the ball as much as you’d want him to, but passed the ball well and had a few shots at goal.
Mesut Özil – 8 – Man of the Match
Made two assists and was involved in all of our attacking moves throughout the game. Some of his passes were world-class – especially his assist for Rosicky’s goal in the second half. Unlucky not to get on the score sheet.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 7 (Replaced by Rosicky in the 82nd minute)
Showed drive and determination in the first half and looked eager to take on Everton’s defence, but his final balls and decision making was questionable.
Alexis Sanchez – 7.5 (Replaced by Welbeck in the 87th minute)
Pressed Everton in the first half and made numerous driving runs to bring Arsenal forward. Faded in the second.
Olivier Giroud – 8
Battled his way through the 90 minutes and scored with a side-footed shot from a corner in the first half. He contributed defensively, too. It looks like he wanted to prove himself after his abysmal display against Monaco.
Subs
Tomas Rosicky – 6.5
Came on to score Arsenal’s second with a deflected long-range shot.
Danny Welbeck – N/A
Hardly touched the ball after he came on.
Calum Chambers – N/A
Came on in the final minutes to replaced the injured Coquelin.