Player ratings: Arsenal vs Everton

0-1 (Leno OG)

April 23, 2021, Kick-Off 8pm

Emirates Stadium

Premier League

Bernd Leno  5.5/10

Saved well from Richarlison in the 29th minute but made arguably his worst mistake in an Arsenal shirt from the Brazilian’s ball in, which he somehow deflected into his own net from what should have been a routine piece of goalkeeping.

Calum Chambers  7/10

Great crosser of the ball, but was challenged by the attacking flair of Lucas Digne.

Rob Holding (C) 7.5/10

Passed accurately from the back and good one on one, making a crucial block from Sigurdsson’s shot early on in the second half.

Pablo Mari  7.5/10

Entrusted in dealing with Dominic Calvert-Lewin, a mainly aerial and physical battle against a striker with 14 goals this season, and he did manage to nullify that particular threat.

Granit Xhaka 6.5/10

Started at left back for the fourth consecutive game. Beaten much too easily by Richarlison for the goal, but fortunately for him Leno will receive the blame.

Dani Ceballos  7/10

Supported Granit Xhaka well when necessary. Thought he had won a penalty but Nicolas Pepe was offside in the buildup, and then had a good strike saved by Jordan Pickford.

Thomas Partey  6.5/10

Gradually starting to find his feet under Mikel Arteta, but had to be cautious after being booked by Jon Moss. Best not to comment on his long shots, which are swiftly becoming a laughing stock.

Bukayo Saka 6.5/10

Similar to Smith-Rowe in terms of receiving little service, but making the most of the ball when he did have it. Regretting my decision to captain him in my fantasy team.

Emile Smith-Rowe  6/10

On the edge of the game, doing his best to get on the ball in midfield but didn’t have many opportunities to bring the game to life.

Nicolas Pepe 7.5/10

At times wasn't on the same wavelength as Eddie Nketiah, and will feel extremely hard-done by the VAR decision against him. Much more lively in the second half on the left wing.

Eddie Nketiah  6.5/10

Finally a start for England U21’s top goalscorer due to Aubameyang’s illness and an injury to Lacazette. Confident to take people on and was happy to turn with the ball from a deep-lying position, but replaced with 20 minutes to go. Will he start on Thursday?

Martin Odegaard (Sub, 73’) 5/10

Good to see him make a return, but little to report from his performance.

Gabriel Martinelli (Sub, 73’) 5.5/10

Came on for Nketiah in the number 9 role and almost found an equaliser in the dying stages.

Willian (Sub, 80‘) 5/10

Passed side to side for 10 minutes, barely breaking a sweat.

Subs not used: Ryan (GK), Bellerin, Cedric, Gabriel, Elneny, Nelson.