Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Arteta let down by 5/10 duo as more points dropped

Arsenal failed to make the most of Liverpool FC dropping points against Fulham as Mikel Arteta’s side were held to a goalless draw by a gutsy Everton. The Gunners squandered a vast number of chances, with Martin Odegaard particularly guilty of failing to score a pivotal goal.

Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with the Cottagers provided an excellent opportunity for Arsenal to make ground on the Premier League leaders. But a hugely frustrating performance will leave Arteta pondering how best to approach a busy Christmas period.

The Spaniard has several stars who need to improve their performances, while the midfield balance poses a tough dilemma.

Here is how Express Sport rated Arsenal’s players against Everton, including a duo of under-performers.

Arsenal player ratings

David Raya – 6

This was a comfortable afternoon for Arsenal goalkeeper Raya. Everton failed to manage a shot on target.

Jurrien Timber – 6

Timber looks far more comfortable at right-back and he will be glad about Myles Lewis-Skelly’s emergence on the left side of the defence.

William Saliba – 6

Saliba had little defensive work to do as Everton focused on keeping Arsenal at bay.

Gabriel – 6

Back alongside Saliba after three matches on the sidelines, returns will not come as comfortable as they did for Gabriel. Everton mustered just one shot throughout the game.

Myles Lewis-Skelly – 6

Another impressive outing on a full Premier League debut for Lewis-Skelly. The 18-year-old looks comfortable among several big-name stars.

Martin Odegaard – 5

Odegaard was guilty of missing several good opportunities, following on from his bad miss against Monaco in the Champions League. The Norwegian is yet to reach full speed since returning from his ankle injury. He was replaced by Ethan Nwaneri after an hour.

Declan Rice – 6

Arsenal looked slightly unbalanced with Odegaard, Rice and Mikel Merino in the same midfield. Rice kept possession ticking over and his presence ensured Arsenal controlled the centre of the pitch, but that trio might not work against better teams.

Mikel Merino – 7

Merino is settling well into life at Arsenal and has benefitted from regular starts. The Spaniard was a constant threat to Everton.

Bukayo Saka – 7

The blame for this draw will not fall at Saka’s feet. The winger was the one Arsenal player who seemed likely to break down a resolute Everton defence.

Kai Havertz – 6

Havertz needed more support from those around him as Arsenal struggled to create good enough chances. The German dropped into a No. 10 position late on.

Gabriel Martinelli – 5

Not much seemed to click for Arsenal in attack and Martinelli was guilty of a couple of frustrating moments. The Brazilian often struggles against teams who are happy to sit back and was taken off for Leandro Trossard.

Substitutes

Ethan Nwaneri – 5

Nwaneri is a hugely promising player who will enjoy better cameos than this one against Everton. There is valuable experience to be gained in playing against a team so willing to sit back and frustrate Arsenal.

Jorginho – 6

Jorginho was brought on to give Arsenal more control in possession and he did exactly that. However, Arsenal were not able to capitalise.

Thomas Partey – 6

Partey went to right-back following his 69th-minute introduction, with Timber moving to the left, and performed perfectly well.

Gabriel Jesus – 5

It is unclear what Jesus offered that those who went off did not after he was introduced alongside Partey. No Premier League goal in nearly a year.

Leandro Trossard – 6

Trossard looked dangerous as he replaced Martinelli but was unable to create a match-winning moment.