Arsenal vs Everton
3-2
Supporters were treated to a 5 goal thriller on Sunday afternoon at the Emirates which saw the home side grab a narrow 3-2 victory in their late push for European Football.
Ancelotti’s side were quick out of the blocks, winning an early free-kick which was poorly dealt with by Arsenal’s defence as David Luiz headed the ball up into the air, only for Calvert-Lewin to acrobatically bicycle kick the ball past the out stretched Leno in the 49th second. The home had it all to do and responded well, with Saka creating an excellent chance for Nketiah in which the 20-year old expertly finished on the 27th minute mark. The Gunners now had their tails up and soon after took the lead when David Luiz slotted a superb through ball between the Everton defence with Aubameyang racing down the left hand side, latching onto the ball, and scoring with his best imitation of Thierry Henry. Arteta’s side looked to be in control going into the break, however some more poor defending gifted Richarlison a chance that he managed to squeeze past Leno, who perhaps should have done better with it. Going into halftime it was anyone’s game at 2-2.
Arsenal repaid the favour by scoring straight after the restart, Pepe whipped in a lovely cross for an unmarked Aubameyang to fire his header into the ground and past the helpless Jordan Pickford just 23 seconds in. The game massively opened up after this, with the away side pushing more men forward in search of an equaliser. Calvert-Lewin was causing problems and had a couple of half chances, one he should have finished when Richarlison fizzed in a ball across the 6-yard box only for the Englishman to not get enough contact on it. Leno was busy in the second 45 minutes and somehow managed to pull off a world-class save from Calvert-Lewin again after the ball luckily bounced to him in the box. The home side did have chances to kill off the game, youngster Eddie Nketiah came close to getting a brace when his first time effort cannoned off the underside of the crossbar and out. The crowd got behind the Arsenal players, getting them over line, securing the three points to keep their season alive.
Player Ratings
Bernd Leno
Even though he should have done better for the second goal, he still made some world-class saves to keep us in the game. 7.5/10
Hector Bellerin
His new role as an inverted full-back doesn’t suit his game as well as when he is flying up and down the wing on the overlap, however his defending during the game was decent, made a couple of nice tackles. 6/10
Shkodran Mustafi
Really starting to cement his place in the side after another good display. Won a lot of aerial battles and found some tidy passes into the midfield. 7/10
David Luiz
Should have dealt with the free-kick better in the opening minute, but proved his worth after this. Played an excellent through ball to Aubameyang for the second goal and defended well in the second half. 7/10
Sead Kolasinac
Unfortunate to go off injured with what looked to be a similar injury to Tierney’s. Hopefully he recovers quickly. 6/10
Dani Ceballos
Always wanted the ball, tried to dictate the game with some precise passes. Broke up Everton counter attacks effectively. Good performance. 7/10
Granit Xhaka
Controlled the tempo during the first half and read the game well to drop deeper to allow Saka to get forward. Sprayed a few lovely balls out wide to help start quick counter attacks. 7/10
Mesut Ozil
Broke the lines well, feeding our front three with a couple of chances. Kept the ball moving and added fluidity when going forward. 7/10
Nicolas Pepe
Looked lively throughout. We look so much better when he is playing, brillant assist for Aubameyang’s winner. Started to affect games more regularly. 7/10
Aubameyang
Two superb goals which has taken him to the joint top scorer in the league. He is just as effective out wide now he is comfortable in that position and his consistency is something Arsenal fans take for granted at times. Real captains performance. My MOTM. 9/10
Eddie Nketiah
Was a constant menace to Everton’s defence, hassling them at every opportunity. Took his chance like a seasoned professional, his finishing ability is excellent for his age. 7.5/10
Subs
Bukayo Saka
Had to be introduced early on because of Kolasinac’s injury. Got forward very effectively, notching another excellent assist for Nketiah. Looks as though he might need a rest though as towards the end of the game his energy levels dropped a lot. 7/10
Lucas Torreira
Screened the back four well and made a nice interception at one stage. Didn’t have loads of time to make an impact. 6/10
Matteo Guendouzi
Brought energy to the midfield in the closing stages which got us across the line. Did well to press Pickford constantly. 6.5/10
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James Humphreys
Gunners Daily 