Everton vs. Arsenal: Review and Player Ratings (Part 3)
Continued…
As the game drew to a close, Arsenal goalie proved more and more valuable after he kept a string of chances out, but that luck ran out when, from a corner on the right Yakubu at the back post once more, crossed the ball back across goal
and this time it was Everton’s talismanic striker, Tim Cahill who exceptionally placed the ball in top corner of Arsenal’s goal to score the first goal of Everton.
The chances were numerous for the Toffees but the common theme of the afternoon prevailed as they were not taken and this ultimately is why Arsene Wenger’s boys sit second in the table and David Moyes’ boys languish back in 13th.
All in all, it proved too little too late for Everton as the Gunners held on for an impressive away victory that sees the Arsenal outright second on 26 two points behind table leaders.
Nonetheless, it was an exciting encounter between the two dominant teams of Barclays Premier League. Here are the player ratings of both teams.
Player Ratings
Everton:
Tim Howard: 7.5
The veteran American keeper was confident in handling the ball and made a good diving save to deny Arshavin but will not have enjoyed being beaten at his near post for Sagna's opener. He should have done better at that time.
Nonetheless it was a decent performance from Howard.
Phil Neville: 7.5
It was as solid defensive display from Neville as he did well to keep Nasri quite much of the time. Moreover, the Everton captain made decent use of the ball as he gave it to the dangerous Pienaar at the earliest opportunity.
Unfortunately, the former Manchester United defender was replaced by an attacker after an hour mark.
Phil Jagielka: 6.5
The young English defender made some crucial challenges and gave a decent performance.
His lack of speed was visible during the match and failed to catch Arshavin at times.
Sylvain Distin: 8
He was definitely the best defender on Everton side. He was exceptional in air and did not let Arsenal’s Chamakh to create any problems for Everton. Moreover, Distin displayed impressive decision-making therefore being rated outstanding
throughout the match.
Leighton Baines: 6.5
He was given task to cover Samir Nasri and executed a decent job as he was only exposed once defensively in whole match. Without a doubt, he was proved a threat for his pin point set piece deliveries. However, he was not given much of
room to cross from an open play.
Seamus Coleman: 8
Coleman was always a threat with direct runs down the right flank. He provided a superb cross to Saha in the starting minutes, but Saha failed to capitalize on that golden opportunity. He also outgunned Cesc Fabregas and Gael Clichy at
times during the first half but he almost disappeared in second half.
Nevertheless, he was the finest performer of Toffees.
Mikel Arteta: 7.5
The veteran midfielder produced decent passing display but lacked a difference-making pass in the final third of encounter. However, David Moyes called him off in the 70th minute in order to bring on another striker
Yakubu.
John Heitenga: 5
Without a doubt, John Heitenga was the flop player against Arsenal. The veteran Dutch defensive midfielder tried to set the tone for Everton but failed to do so and was also shown a yellow card. He was the only player, who shown yellow
in first half. Howard Web booked him for his rigorous challenge on Alex Song.
He was rightly substituted after half time and Rodwell took his place.
To be Continued...
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