Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Viktor Gyokeres much improved but risk-averse Martin Zubimendi poor | OneFootball

‘Turning point’ beckons as Swede responsible for only goal

Arsenal were far from their best but did enough to earn a 1-0 win over Everton on their first visit to the Hill Dickinson Stadium.

Viktor Gyokeres’ first-half penalty, awarded after Jake O’Brien bizarrely handled the ball with both arms above his head, was enough to send the Gunners back to the top of the Premier League.

Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi were both denied by the woodwork but ultimately one goal was all Mikel Arteta’s side needed.

Matt Verri was at the Hill Dickinson Stadium to rate the Arsenal players...

David Raya 7

Pinged a lovely first-half pass out to Timber and distribution was largely good. Shaky with an early corner but otherwise confident and had only one save to make.

Jurrien Timber 8

So reliable. Some lovely combination play with Saka and confident on the ball throughout. Plenty of full-backs have struggled with Jack Grealish this season - Timber gave him nothing.

William Saliba 7

Monstered Thierno Barry in the first half and played a great ball in behind for Gyokeres. Dropped off after the break. Loose pass nearly let Everon in for counter and lucky not to concede penalty for late swipe.

Piero Hincapie 6

Too rash on more than one occasion. Clattered into Calafiori in the opening minute and that set the tone. Swung at thin air before dragging Thierno Barry down. Better when racking up clearances late on.

Riccardo Calafiori 6

Popped up everywhere across the pitch as ever. Nasty blow to the head before half-time but played the full match. Decision-making on the ball sometimes frustrating, but solid defensively.

Martin Zubimendi 6

Passing was far too safe at times. Tidy without any errors, but Arsenal need him to be braver in helping play through the thirds. Unlucky with shot that bounced off the post.

Declan Rice 8

Bullied the Everton midfielders, mopping up any loose balls. Put big chance on a plate for Trossard and relentless in driving forward even when visibly exhausted late on.

Martin Odegaard 7

Looked busy without having really telling contributions in the final third. Some slick interplay, though, and central to the best moves Arsenal put together in attack.

Bukayo Saka 7

Doubled up on but still influential. Had an effort cleared off the line and played Timber in on the overlap several times. Worked hard, too, with nobody on the pitch winning more tackles.

Viktor Gyokeres 7

Got his much-needed goal in what Arteta will hope is a turning point. Good runs in behind and team-mates were better at picking him out, but still needs to be stronger in holding up the ball.

Leandro Trossard 6

Deserved his start but slight drop from his recent standards. Should have score to make it 2-0 when curling against the post. The quietest of Arsenal’s attackers.

Substitutes:

Gabriel Jesus (Gyokeres 65’) 6

Not as bright as his recent cameos. Struggled to get involved but did a good job helping to run down the clock in stoppage time.

Gabriel Martinelli (Trossard 79’) 6

Needless late yellow card for delaying Everton’s throw-in. Couple of chances to run on the counter but not hugely convincing.

Mikel Merino (Odegaard 88’) N/A