Arsenal player ratings vs Everton: Saliba superb as Trossard wins it
Leandro Trossard’s superb second half strike ensured Arsenal returned from the international break with a deserved 1-0 win at Everton.
The Gunners dominated the game, but had struggled to break down their resolute hosts before Trossard’s superb left-footed strike on 69 minutes gave them the lead.
It was a lead they protected well and one they should have extended, with Martin Odegaard and Fabio Vieira both failing to score when well placed.
Gabriel Martinelli, who went off injured in the first half, thought he had opened in the first half with a fine finish from Fabio Vieira’s pass, but the goal was ruled out by VAR for offside in the build-up.
Arsenal player ratings
David Raya: Barely had a thing to do on his first Arsenal start. What he did do, he did well. 6
Ben White: Got forward well. Had one powerful left foot effort saved. 6
William Saliba: Strong and composed. Coped with Beto superbly. 8
Gabriel Magalhaes: Very unlucky to be booked. Solid. 7
Oleksandr Zinchenko: A bit slack in possession at times. Still looks a bit rusty. Improved after half-time. 7
Declan Rice: Always wanted the ball. Could maybe have moved it forward quicker at times, but another fine display. 8
Fabio Vieira: So unlucky not to get an assist for Martinelli. Was very lively, but off target with his shooting. 7
Martin Odegaard: Had some lovely touches. Should have done better with a shot early in the second half that he put straight at Pickford. 7
Bukayo Saka: Saw plenty of the ball, but not in areas to really hurt Everton enough. Still picked up an assist for Trossard. 6
Eddie Nketiah: Couldn’t get into the game. 4
Gabriel Martinelli: Looked very bright before going off with an injury. Brilliant finish for the disallowed goal. 6
Substitutes
Leandro Trossard: Struggled early on, but grew into the game well after the break. Stunning finish to win the game. 7
Gabriel Jesus: Caused more problems than Nketiah in the short time he was on the pitch. 6
Takehiro Tomiyasu: Added a bit of extra height late on. N/A
Kai Havertz: On for the last 10 minutes. N/A