3 winners and 2 losers as Arsenal defenders come out on top against Everton
Mikel Arteta made a few changes to the first XI but it would be the same old story between Arsenal and Everton on matchday.
Familiar threads in that story include a strong defence and, as usual, there were brilliant showings in the Gunners ranks – especially from the ‘best centre-back pairing in the world' (Oliver Glasner said it best) – to help guide them to yet another victory.
However, some of the big names did not cover themselves in glory (one being a major surprise) and the boss will keep an eye on them ahead of the Carabao Cup clash with Fleetwood Town in midweek, before a trip to Liverpool next Sunday night.
Here the three biggest winners and two of the worst losers from Arsenal’s impressive 2-0 win versus Everton.
Winner #1 – Mikel Merino
Even just the fact that he was named in the starting XI probably counts as a win for an oft-overlooked Mikel Merino.
He has never been nailed on in this Arsenal team (unless playing as the striker), with stiff competition in midfield only making it harder for him to get regular game time. Still, he got his chance to impress from the off here.
And his performance was good. Just good, really. Nothing all that spectacular to report. Merino kept the ball well as usual and always showed for it when the Gunners had possession, while his excellent positioning in and around the box during each attack is forever a thorn in the side of any opposition team.
Perhaps he failed to move the needle enough to trouble Bruno Guimaraes but he is a reliable option and that, in itself, is reassuring.
Loser #1 – Viktor Gyokeres
It feels like picking on him at this point.
Fans will hold some sympathy for Viktor Gyokeres because Arsenal do not play him to his strengths; he is always tasked with holding the ball up with his back to goal and the possession-based nature of this team grants him few chances to run in behind.
Still though, the big Swede is so ineffective on the pitch. He never seems to get chances even as the Gunners pin their opponents deep and does not do enough outside of that to justify his place in the side.
On this evidence, it is no surprise that he remains without a goal for Arsenal this year, regardless of his international form.
Winner #2 – Gabriel
Gabriel is a warrior for Arsenal at the best of times but he brought his heroism to new heights in this match.
He looked rock solid throughout and dealt well with the Everton crosses, putting his body on the line almost at the expense of his further participation in the game when he worryingly stayed down just before the hour mark.
But he is never one to leave his teammates short. Somehow, after the injury scare, he came back on and produced the best possible response, rising highest to meet a Ben White cross for his first goal of the campaign.
No one deserved it more.
Loser #2 – David Raya
Poor David Raya. He features on the other list so often that it feels weird seeing him cross over to the ‘loser’ side.
But the first half was something of a calamity by his lofty standards. To start, he spilled a shot which nearly presented Everton with an opener before launching a long forward ball out of play, while he surprisingly flapped at a corner later on – again, almost costing his team a goal.
Yet his most bemusing error was still to come, when he conceded a corner for holding onto the ball for too long in the box.
He was his usual assured self from that point on, so at least he picked a straightforward match to get all those ‘bozo’ moments out of his system.
Winner #3 – Ezri Konsa
You can only REALLY call yourself an Arsenal defender once you start scoring goals, especially if they come from corners.
And the goal itself was as ugly as they come for a big, burly centre-back; the ball fell to him barely a yard out after an almighty scramble on the goal-line and he lashed it home full blast to give Arsenal the lead.
Konsa also offered lots at the other end, keeping the Everton attack (basically just Thierno Barry) very quiet for large spells. William Saliba edges nearer to a return all the time but Konsa has ensured that Arsenal are thriving regardless.
The defence is in safe hands.
