Arsenal ratings: Martinelli shows his striker’s instincts but Jorginho can’t cope with Everton’s physicality
BUKAYO SAKA and Gabriel Martinelli destroyed lowly Everton to put Arsenal five points clear in the Prem.
But it was not such an impressive night for Jorginho behind them as the midfielder fights to keep out fit-again Thomas Partey in midfield.
Gunners’ goal heroes Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli celebrateGetty
GettyJorginho lacked the power to dominate against Everton in midfield[/caption]
It was also an important evening for January signing Leandro Trossard, chosen ahead of in-form Eddie Nketiah in attack.
Saka hit a cracking opener before Martinelli‘s double and Martin Odegaard secured a 4-0 victory for a third straight league win.
Here’s how the Gunners rated on a night when most things went right.
AARON RAMSDALE
Couple of routine saves from Maupay and McNeil, but other than that he didn’t really have much to do. 6
BEN WHITE
Always available as an outlet out wide as Arsenal looked to get in behind Everton’s five-man midfield. 6
WILLIAM SALIBA
Smooth as silk at the back, he never looks flustered and was hardly troubled by toothless Everton. 7
GABRIEL MAGALHAES
The Brazilian hard man is turning out to be a proper defender. Excellent penalty box tackle to shut out Maupay. 7
OLEKSANDR ZINCHENKO
Again spent most of the match in central midfield, it was his slide rule pass which opened Everton up for Saka’s opening goal. 7
MARTIN ODEGAARD
Kept the ball moving at speed when the game was getting bogged down and beautiful finish to put the game to bed. 7
JORGINHO
Struggled to cope with the physical power of Everton’s giant midfield before being replaced by Partey at half-time. 5
GRANIT XHAKA
Gave Arsenal the midfield grit they needed when Arsenal looked in danger of being overpowered in the first-half. 6
GettyGunners’ winger Bukayo Saka watches his opener fly in after 40 minutes[/caption]
BUKAYO SAKA
Hardly had a kick for the first 40 minutes but then spun away from his marker to hammer Arsenal into the lead before he robbed Gueye to set up Martinelli. 8
LEANDRO TROSSARD
Worked hard but didn’t offer too much threat until he teed up Arsenal’s third goal for Odegaard with his final kick of the night. 6
GABRIEL MARTINELLI
Showed all his predatory instincts when he pounced on Gueye’s error to put Arsenal out of touch with an unerring finish. Doubled his tally late on. 8
SUBS
Thomas Partey (for Jorginho HT). Reassuring presence in the middle of the park to make sure there was no chance of an Everton comeback. 6
Eddie Nketiah (for Trossard 72mins) Pulled weary Everton all over the place and lovely assist for Marinelli’s second of the night. 6
Fabio Vieira (for Xhaka 72mins) Useful late minutes for a player whose contribution will be needed in the run-in. 5
Kieran Tierney (for Zinchenko 82mins) Not much time for the frustrated full-back to make his mark. 5
Emile Smith Rowe (for Saka 82mins) Loudest cheer of the night when he came on for late cameo. 5
PALeandro Trossard operated in a three-man Arsenal attack alongside Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli[/caption]
