Everton player ratings for their late 2-0 defeat to Premier League leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium
Everton's English goalkeeper #01 Jordan Pickford reacts during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and Everton at the Emirates Stadium in London on March 14, 2026. (Photo by Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. /
Jordan Pickford reacts during Everton's 2-0 Premier League defeat at leaders Arsenal(Image: Ben STANSALL / AFP via Getty Images)
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Everton produced a gutsy defensive display to hold Premier League leaders Arsenal until the 89th minute at the Emirates Stadium before substitute Viktor Gyokeres sent the relieved home fans into raptures, poking in a loose ball after the otherwise impressive Jordan Pickford failed to deal with a right-wing cross.
It was a cruel blow for the Blues who had battled hard against Mikel Arteta’s side without both of the first choice centre-back pair, Jarrad Branthwaite and James Tarkowski, who had been ever-present this season up until this game.
With Everton chasing an equaliser, deep into stoppage time, Pickford came up for a corner, but they were caught on the counter-attack with the 16-year-old Max Dowman tapping into an empty net to make it 2-0 and become the youngest goalscorer in Premier League history.
Jordan Pickford 5
Was excellent for 89 minutes but such is the lot of a goalkeeper, he flapped at the cross for the crucial first goal. Having made a couple of big saves early on to deny Noni Madueke, he then produced a superb point-blank stop to keep out Bukayo Saka’s header and, while his international team-mate was offside, the England number one was not to know, denying him again after the break. Pickford also saved well from Eze. After his mistake, he then had time to save from Martinelli, but showed why keepers shouldn’t come up for corners by costing his side a second goal in stoppage time.
James Garner 7
Over at right-back again, he made strong challenges to deny Declan Rice in the area and Madueke but other than whipping in corners and free-kicks, most of his work was in his own half.
Vitalii Mykolenko 6
It’s not only Saka he’s been up against in Arsenal battles of the past, but he hung on in there for a long time in what was a backs to the wall display.
Jake O’Brien 7
Playing in his natural position with both of Everton’s first choice centre-backs out, he needed to be a towering presence against Arsenal’s set-pieces.
Michael Keane 7
Strong in the air, he was in the thick of the action at the back, outmuscling Madueke and then shrugging off Kai Havertz in the area, giving his all.
Idrissa Gueye 6
No Garner alongside him in the engine room today, he was kept busy out of possession and conceded a dangerous free-kick just outside the area when chopping down Saka.
Tim Iroegbunam 7
Big opportunity to be handed a start against the Premier League leaders, he needed to keep up those energy levels in the centre of the park but produced a mature display in testing circumstances.
Dwight McNeil 7
Twice denied a first goal of the season in quick succession, first by a Riccardo Calafiori block and then when his rasping effort struck David Raya’s right-hand post. He found little pockets of space, particularly in the first half.
Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall 7
Brought the best out of Raya with a stinging drive, he was a dynamic presence carrying the ball forwards and his play always appeared purposeful.
Iliman Ndiaye 7
Got a bit of joy on the break early on and teed McNeil up with a left-wing cross for his first chance but then had to put a real shift in out of possession as Arsenal surged forwards in the second half.
Beto 6
Denied by a smart save by Raya’s leg, he provided a focal point to Everton’s attack as he attempted to match Arsenal’s physicality and provide a few lay-offs to try and relieve the regular waves of pressure.
SUBS
Thierno Barry (on 69 for Beto) 6
Provided some fresh legs up front as Everton tried to get the ball out from defence.
Merlin Rohl (on 86 for Iroegbunam)
Late cameo.
Harrison Armstrong (on 86 for McNeil)
Ditto.
Tyrique George (on 94 for Gueye)
Introduced in the final seconds.