[Player Ratings] Everton 1-1 Arsenal: Gunners Lack Spark Once Again

Arsenal and Everton played-out a 1-1 draw at Goodison Park on Wednesday night to leave us sitting seventh in the league and five points off fourth-placed West Brom.

The performance was better than at Villa Park on Saturday and a draw away to Everton should never be considered a bad result. It’s an extremely tough ground to visit and many tops sides have come away with nothing from there in recent times, so we shouldn’t be too despondent.

However, after the deflating display at the weekend, three points were vital from this game and a draw has left many Gooners feeling disappointed once again. The lack of cutting edge in the final third is the cusp of fans frustrations. The lack of service for Giroud was also worrying and the midfield still looks disjointed.

The good news is we looked pretty solid at the back, apart form one or two hairy moments. Here are my ratings from the game.

Arsenal Ratings

Szczesny – 8 – Could maybe have done better for Fellaini’s goal, as he was beaten from distance pretty easily, but he more than made up with it with some fine stops. The pick was probably a save to deny Distin’s header in the second period. Commanded his area well and came off his line at the right times.

Sagna – 5 – Struggled to contain Baines and Pienaar. Everything from the home side came down Sagna’s side. At fault for the goal as his poor header went straight to Fellaini and the Belgian made no mistake from the edge of the box. Plus his crossing was poor all night.

Vermaelen – 7 – Moved inside to the middle when Koscielny went off and formed a good partnership with Per. Very solid.

Koscielny – N/A – Off inside three minutes with injury.

Mertesacker – 6 – Struggled at times to contain the awkward and impressive Fellaini, but not many centre backs get the better of the big Belgian. Also got done by Jelovic too easily in the first half and the striker should have made it 2-1 but blazed over.

Arteta – 6 – Lucky not to give away a penalty and wasn’t at his best on his return to Goodison. Gave away some cheap free-kicks. Questionable form continues.

Wilshere – 7.5 – Very good display from Jack. The only midfielder to really push forward and try to make things happen, and we saw some of his trademark dribbles and turns. Superb tackle to deny Fellaini in 22nd min.

Cazorla – 6 – Needs a rest. Simple as that. Struggled to get in the game but came alive in the last half hour and had a couple of speculative shots. Was visibly frustrated before being subbed.

Ramsey – 5.5 –  Lost possession in the build-up to their goal and had another poor game. Many fans will pick the Welshman out for some criticism and while some is justified, he certainly wasn’t the sole reason we failed to collect all three points. Doesn’t help him being played on the wings.

Walcott – 7 – Showed his importance to the team with another lovely goal, but struggled to get into the game for large periods. Provided the only decent cross of the night for Giroud and the big man almost scored. Was carrying an injury in the second half and was moved to the left with little effect, but still a major threat in the side.

Giroud – 5.5 – Hard to rate him due to lack of service but when he did see the ball, he struggled to keep hold of it. Went close with a looping header and should have found the unmarked Gervinho with a late cross but sent it over his head. Still worked hard though.

Subs:

Gibbs – 6.5 – On early for Koscielny and did well. Superb tackle to deny Naismith a clear opportunity early in second half and got forward on occasion too. Surprised he was left out the starting eleven.

Gervinho – 5 – Saw little of the ball but had a great chance on the break near the end, but unsurprisingly he wasted it.

Coquelin – N/A – Oddly brought on with 5 minutes to go. Seems Arsene was happy with the draw.

Swansea at the Emirates up next and three points are a must if we’re to maintain hopes of a top-four finish.

What were your ratings from the game? Get involved in the comments section.