Jordan Pickford, Jack Harrison, Arsenal badge, Everton badge
Jordan Pickford was the hero for Everton v Arsenal (Credit - Imago)
Dakir Thanveer
Sat 14 December 2024 17:04, UK
Jordan Pickford was invincible in goal as Everton held Arsenal to a 0-0 draw at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League on Saturday.
The Toffees built on their 4-0 victory over Wolves with an impressive result in North London on 14 December, holding the title contenders to a draw.
Mikel Arteta’s side were the favourites going into the game, but Sean Dyche’s masterplan to keep them at bay worked out perfectly.
Goodison News has rated the players out of 10 below.
Jordan Pickford invincible in goal
Jordan Pickford – 9
Pickford made a terrific save to deny Martin Odegaard in the 30th minute, albeit with some help from James Tarkowki. He stood his ground in goal again to deny Gabriel Martinelli towards the end of the first end. The England international pulled off another excellent save to deny Bukayo Saka early on in the second half. He was on guard to come off his line and clear the danger after a poor back pass from Jarrad Branthwaite almost put the team in trouble.
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Jordan Pickford
Everton goalkeeper Jordan Pickford [Credit: Imago]
Ashley Young – 7
Young was booked for a foul on Gabriel Martinelli in the 73rd minute. However, the veteran was ever-present at right-back, keeping the Brazilian attacker at bay and continuing his fine run of form.
James Tarkowski – 8
Tarkowski displayed a brilliantly to defend a dangerous Odegaard free-kick in the 22nd minute. He was also crucial in denying Odegaard a goal at the half-hour mark. The defender, though, put the team in trouble with a poor header back to Pickford while Kai Havertz was lurking and was saved by the goalkeeper. He was then at the right time at the right place for Dyche’s side, displaying another bit of great defending in the box.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 6
Saka got the better of Branthwaite before setting up Odegaard for a shot, although it was saved by Pickford. He was also guilty of giving away possession on another occasion, leading to a chance for Martinelli. The trend continued as a loose pass almost put the Toffees in trouble five minutes into the second half. He made up for it with a great interception a couple of minutes later and grew into the game, however.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 7
Mykolenko’s slip allowed Saka to create a huge chance for Odegaard, although he was saved by Pickford and Tarkowski on that occasion. The Ukrainian, though, deserves credit for sticking the tricky winger like glue and keeping his influence to a minimum. He made a brilliant tackle to stop Thomas Partey in the box late on despite shouts for a penalty.
Idrissa Gueye – 7
Although hardly in the spotlight, Gueye proved to be a reliable presence in Dyche’s midfield again, helping out his busy teammates in defence when needed.
Orel Mangala – 5
Mangala picked out Abdoulaye Doucoure with an exceptional pass in the opening 10 minutes, setting up what was Everton’s only chance in the first half.
Everton missed Dwight McNeil
Jack Harrison (Off for Jesper Lindstrom 66′) – 3
Harrison came into the lineup in place of Dwight McNeil but had a silent game as most of the action took place in the Toffees half, not proving himself yet again.
Dwight McNeil
Everton missed Dwight McNeil [Credit: Imago]
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6
Doucoure had the Toffees’ only chance of the first half after a great pass from Mangala. He found himself unmarked and took his time to take a shot, but was ultimately denied by Gabriel Magalhaes.
Iliman Ndiaye – 5
Ndiaye had a quiet game on the left wing but did enough to support Mykolenko against Saka in defence.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin (Off for Armando Broja 66′) – 4
With much of the game happening in the Everton half, Calvert-Lewin was isolated once again but showed what he is capable of with a super run around the one-hour mark.
Substitutes:
Jesper Lindstrom (On for Harrison 66′) – 5
Armando Broja (On for Calvert-Lewin 66′) – 5
In other Everton news, Alan Myers has dropped a new update on the Toffees’ January transfer plans as The Friedkin Group get takeover approval.
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