Arsenal 2-0 Everton: Player ratings as defenders fire Gunners to crucial victory

Arsenal closed the gap at the top of the Premier League table to purely goal difference with a commanding 2-0 victory over Everton on a rainy afternoon at the Emirates Stadium.

With Bukayo Saka expected to be out injured for a minimum of six weeks, Mikel Arteta made five changes to the side that drew 2-2 with Bayern Munich last time out. As Kai Havertz, Jurrien Timber, Riccardo Calafiori and Bruno Guimarães all joined Saka in dropping out, Viktor Gyökeres, Ben White, Myles Lewis-Skelly, Mikel Merino and Eberechi Eze were brought into the team.

It didn't take the Gunners long to open the scoring as they broke the deadlock after just seven minutes, doing so with their first set piece goal of the season. Martin Ødegaard's corner and Gabriel's header caused all sorts of problems for Jordan Pickford and the Everton defence with Ezri Konsa on hand to poke the ball in after a goalmouth scramble for his first Arsenal strike.

Everton almost hit back through errors by David Raya and Ben White, but couldn't convert as the hosts failed to double their lead before the break, meaning their advantage was just one goal at the halfway point.

Arsenal dominated much of the second-half and managed to keep Everton quiet, with that proving crucial to them doubling their advantage with just over 20 minutes left to play.

Fresh off the bench, Bruno Guimarães played a neat ball for Ben White to receive on the right side of the box and send a looping cross to the back post, where Gabriel met it to head past Pickford. A VAR check for offside ensued, but there were no issues and the goal was given.

With the result well beyond doubt, Arsenal comfortably controlled the remainder of the game to see out the victory and secure another crucial three points on their way to defending the Premier League title.

Here are the Gunners player ratings from their win over Everton.

Arsenal 2-0 Everton player ratings

Goalkeeper & Defenders

David Raya (GK) - 6.5/10 - Penalised with a corner for holding the ball too long but nothing came of it. Almost spilled a shot into the path of Barry, but made amends with a solid performance after.

Ben White (RB) - 7/10 - Got away with one when Raya saved him after Barry almost intercepted his header back. Assisted Gabriel for the second with a clever looped cross to the back post.

Ezri Konsa (CB) - 7/10 - Showed great instinct to get to the ball and stab home the opener from close range. Helped keep Barry quiet for much of the game with another dominant showing.

Gabriel (CB) - 7.5/10 - Won the initial header in the build-up to Konsa's opening goal. Stretched out a leg to brilliantly clear a cross, but injured himself in the process. Recovered to continue and headed in his side's second at the back post.

Myles Lewis-Skelly (LB) - 7/10 - Picked up a yellow card for pulling Johnson's shirt. Pretty steady as he came in and out of midfield ahead of being subbed with 20 minutes to play.

Midfielders

Mikel Merino (CM) - 7/10 - A solid shift in midfield and looked eager to get on the scoresheet as he was constantly in and around the box during attacking moves. Taken off after 68 minutes.

Declan Rice (CM) - 7/10 - As always, a very steady showing in the middle of the park from the England international. Offered some respite with a late substitution.

Martin Ødegaard (AM) - 7/10 - Sent in the corner for his side's opening goal. Almost scored after a good solo run, but saw his shot blocked. Skilful with his feet in good positions and looked eager to cause problems.

Forwards

Noni Madueke (RW) - 7/10 - Looked quite dangerous when he was on the ball as he looked to run at the visitors' backline but despite having some good touches, he wasn't as impactful as he'd have hoped.

Viktor Gyökeres (ST) - 6.5/10 - Given the assist for Konsa's goal. Battled well against the Everton defence but still couldn't find his first goal of the season before being withdrawn.

Eberechi Eze (LW) - 7/10 - Made some good runs and got into the box well but was guilty of losing possession in decent areas at times. A relatively solid performance ahead of his substitution late on.

Substitutes

Riccardo Calafiori (on 68' for Lewis-Skelly) - 6.5/10

Bruno Guimarães (on 68' for Merino) - 7/10

Kai Havertz (on 68' for Gyökeres) - 6.5/10

Martín Zubimendi (on 80' for Rice) - 6/10

Max Dowman (on 80' for Eze) - 6/10

Player of the match: Gabriel