English Premier League: Arsenal Player Ratings Versus Everton: 2-1

Everton

Arsenal

• Sagna 35,
• Fabregas 47

Arsenal secured their eighth win of the 2010/2011 campaign, as well as successive away victories in the space of five days with an impressive 2-1 win over Everton at Goodison Park.

In what was an entertaining, thrilling game that boasted plenty of chances, the Gunners took the lead after nine minutes despite David Moyes's men boasting the weight of possession. Defender Bacary Sagna scored a rare goal having stroked home magnificently from short range after a neat build up and strong work from both Samir Nasri and Andrei Arshavin.

Everton looked likely to conjure up an equalizer and continued to press the Arsenal back-line. However, Arsene Wenger's men maintained composure and were able to see an Everton barrage and slowly begun to dominate proceedings.

However, the North London giants failed to capitalize despite eye catching, flowing play. The dominating of possession-and-attack prompted a number of ugly challenges from the Everton defence, particularly Johnny Heitinga. The scoreline remained the same as the teams entered the halftime break, but two minutes after play resumed, captain Cesc Fabregas's doubled Arsenal's lead after a well worked interchange of passes with Denilson and Marouane Chamakh.

The goal increased Arsenal confidence and a number of opportunities began to arise. Once again Arsenal were somewhat wasteful, unable to put the game beyond doubt, and in the final stages of the match, Everton began to increase the tempo in hopes of reviving their chances.

The Toffees mounted a number of attacks in which goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski conquered with relative ease. But Everton were able to find the score sheet after Tim Cahill managed to tap home a loose ball from a corner.

However, it proved too little too late for David Moyes and his men as Arsenal held on for an impressive away victory that sees the Gunners outright second on 26—two points behind leaders Chelsea, who suffered a shocking 3-0 home loss to Sunderland—with 28.

Player Ratings

Lukasz Fabianski:8: The Polish shot stopper was immense once again, pulling off a number of fine saves to not only keep Everton at bay but reinforce why he is now the Arsenal No. 1.

Bacary Sagna:8: Shocked fans throughout England when the Frenchman netted for only the second time in his Arsenal career with a powerful strike. Sagna was also solid in defensive, keeping the likes of Leighton Baines and Steven Pienaar relatively quiet.

Sebastien Squillaci:6: The Frenchman looked vulnerable and nervy on occasions but managed to deal with Tim Cahill and Louis Saha to ensure the Everton front line could not blossom.

Johan Djourou:7: The imposing Swiss had an assuring performance in which Djourou was strong in the air alongside a composed head at the back. Promising signs.

Gael Clichy:6.5: The experienced Frenchman was caught out at times by the pacey left side Everton attack, but all-in-all was solid as well as providing a useful contributor in attack.

Alexandre Song:6.5: The Cameroon midfielder played some astray passes but was always present and dominant in defence, constantly aiding his back four.

Jack Wilshere:6: Tormented physically by the Everton midfield and defence largely, Johnny Heitinga failed to really come into his own. Substituted at halftime for Denilson.

Cesc Fabregas:7: The captain was guilty of some poor passes and challenges but overall had a strong game in which he led from the front. Always dangerous near goal and finished calmly to give Arsenal their deserved second.

Samir Nasri:8.5: The Frenchman was outstanding despite failing to find the score sheet after numerous efforts. Constantly, he tormented the Everton back line with incisive passing and runs. Consumed a huge amount of yards in offensive work and deserved to find the score sheet.

Andrei Arshavin:6.5: The Russian was once again a figure of his former self but still contributed greatly in attack. Assisted Sagna for the opener but was lazy at times in defence as well as wasteful.

Marouane Chamakh:6.5: The Moroccan had to work tirelessly to find the ball as David Moyes's defence attempted to stem his contribution. Missed an easy chance to find the score sheet and kill the game but was an assuring presence in defending set pieces.

Substitutes

Denilson:7: The Samba star entered the game after halftime and made an immediate impact, setting up Fabregas for the second. Made a number of interceptions and can be happy with a strong 45 minute cameo.

Tomas Rosicky:6: Provided an experienced head late on without setting the stadium alight.

Emmanuel Eboue: N/A: