Michael Keane battles with Viktor Gyokeres during Everton's Premier League defeat to Arsenal
Michael Keane battles with Viktor Gyokeres during Everton's Premier League defeat to Arsenal
Everton go into their first Christmas at Hill Dickinson Stadium in the top half of the Premier League table, but they fell to a second straight defeat to London opposition as Arsenal triumphed 1-0 to return to the summit.
Blues supporters did their best to set up a spectacular occasion with a giant South Stand tifo before kick-off, but in what was a cagey first half, the hosts gifted side the lead whenn raised his arms in an aerial duel with Riccardo Calafiori when defending a corner. The incident wasn’t spotted in real time, but VAR advised referee Sam Barrott to consult his pitchside monitor, and after the spot-kick was given, Viktor Gyokores despatched it emphatically.
The ECHO was in attendance atand here we run the rule over the performance of the Everton players.
Jordan Pickford 6
Had his left post to thank him after being beaten by a Leandro Trossard shot and Tarkowski for his clearance when Saka fired in a goal-bound effort while Viktor Gyokeres didn’t give him much chance with his emphatic penalty, so he’ll be frustrated given he hardly had a save to make.
Jake O’Brien 4
Looked a bit shaky and the 6ft 6in right-back gifted Arsenal the lead by needlessly raising his arms and handling the ball in an aerial challenge with Riccardo Calafiori when defending a corner in what was a totally unnecessary action.
Vitalii Mykolenko 6
Stuck close to Bukayo Saka again having done well in previous battles, this was a night when he just had to focus on defending.
James Tarkowski 7
Strong display at the heart of defence that included blocking a goal-bound effort from Saka having earlier gone into the book for catching Gyokeres, although hearts were in mouths when his late back pass went just wide.
Michael Keane 7
Showed his increased confidence with an assured second half challenge on Saka and won a goal kick in the bargain, his only real failing was giving Martin Zubimendi Arsenal’s first chance of the game when he could only half-clear a left-wing cross.
James Garner 7
Kept things ticking over as he’s having to step up as the midfield leader now that Idrissa Gueye has gone to the Africa Cup of Nations and was industrious throughout.
Tim Iroegbunam 7
This was his opportunity to stake a claim for the next few weeks in the engine room, and he produced an encouraging showing, putting himself about.
Dwight McNeil 6
As left-footed as they come, he’s had big shoes to fill as an inverted right winger after getting the nod over to replace Iliman Ndiaye, but after often found himself on the periphery of the action in the first half, he improved after the break.
Charly Alcaraz 4
A night to forget, he started in the number 10 role in place of the injured Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall but struggled with a string of loose touches that often played his side into trouble.
Jack Grealish 6
Worked hard for his side down the left, but his quiet spell of form continued, perhaps hinting at the injury his manager has spoken of, as there weren’t many opportunities for him to fashion the kind of openings that can hurt the opposition.
Thierno Barry 6
Put in the hard yards, holding the ball up and winning some flick-ons, but no real chances came his way, although William Saliba gave him a kick in the area that VAR didn’t deem a penalty.
Substitutes
Beto (on 65 for Barry) 6
Predictable change but he couldn’t work any openings.
Tyler Dibling (on 75 for McNeil)
Still isn’t showing much.
Merlin Rohl (on 75 for Alcaraz)
Welcome return, can he stay fit now?