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Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Two 8/10s as 'colossal' defender scores 9/10
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- Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Two 8/10s as 'colossal' defender scores 9/10
Arsenal moved level on points with Manchester City at the top of the table after a 2-0 win over Everton.
Mikel Arteta's side took an early lead through Ezri Konsa , who scored Arsenal's first set-piece goal this season to end a run of 13 matches without one.
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The result never looked in doubt from that moment onwards and Gabriel gave Arsenal the added cushion midway through the second half with an emphatic header.
Matt Verri was at the Emirates Stadium to rate the Arsenal players....
David Raya 7
One sloppy moment when holding the ball too long to gift Everton a corner. Otherwise impressive yet again. Distribution launched attacks and a sharp save to deny Barry. Largely untroubled in earning another clean sheet.
Ben White 7
Rescued by Raya when his weak header back to the goalkeeper was intercepted by Barry, who had his effort stopped. Could have been a disastrous moment. Looked strong in attack, though, and it was a perfect cross for Gabriel's cross.
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Ezri Konsa 8
The man to break the duck. A set-piece goal at long last for Arsenal as Konsa bundled in at the back post. Quick and strong on the cover, gave. Everton nothing in behind. The club's important summer signing.
Gabriel 9
Goalscoring form returned with emphatic header to make it 2-0. Absolutely bullied Barry, shrugging him off the ball and launching into challenges. Gave Arsenal a major scare when he stayed down in pain after making a clearance, clutching his leg, but was able to continue. Colossal.
Star man | Gabriel (Getty)
Myles Lewis-Skelly 8
Won all four of his first-half duels and helped Arsenal play with a real zip. So calm under pressure and got his side out of the press more than once. Allowed Calafiori to get a rest while ensuring the quality levels did not really drop.
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Declan Rice 7
Set-piece delivery was a constant threat, could easily have led to a couple of goals. Created four chances, more than any player on the pitch. Relationship with Odegaard is key to Arsenal's best football and it delivered here.
Mikel Merino 6
Added much more of a goal threat to midfield. Had one decent chance saved and headed over just before half-time. However, still a feeling he can overplay in midfield and slow things down too much.
Noni Madueke 7
Caused Mykolenko real problems in the opening 45 minutes. Dragged one shot wide and drilled another into the side-netting after a glorious touch. Looked dangerous when switching over to the left as well.
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Martin Odegaard 8
Just looks to be loving life right now. Nutmegs, backheels, one-twos - central to Arsenal flowing in attack. Could have been more selfish at times when looking for the extra pass, but he was a joy to watch.
Eberechi Eze 6
Confidence appeared to be back. He skipped away from challenges and looked really threatening when drifting inside in the first half. However, faded after the break and Arteta had to scream at him a couple of times to track back.
Viktor Gyokeres 7
Justified Arteta's decision to start him. Hold-up play is looking much better, as was the desire to be involved. A couple of lovely flicks released Eze and Odegaard in the box. No shots again but created three chances.
Viktor Gyokeres worked hard in Arsenal's win over Everton (Getty)
Substitutes:
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Bruno Guimaraes (Merino 66') 7
Played with a real swagger, taking risks in midfield and trying all sorts of tricks under pressure. Some sub to have.
Riccardo Calafiori (Lewis-Skelly 66') 6
A much-needed rest for the Italian before he came on for a relatively uneventful cameo.
Kai Havertz (Gyokeres 66') 6
Tough introduction to the match when Tarkowski swiftly wiped him out and got booked.
Martin Zubimendi (Rice 80') 6
Barely on a few minutes when Barry left him with a bloodied nose and forced a change of shirt. Sums up his season so far. Good block in stoppage time to preserve the clean sheet.
Max Dowman (Eze 80') 6
Sublime skill to skip past Garner, only to be bizarrely halted by the referee's whistle. His presence alone gets the crowd going.
