Everton spurned a glorious chance to claim all three points for the second consecutive week after throwing away a two goal lead against Arsenal last night.
Having been the better team throughout the game allied by the fact that Everton had taken the lead for majority of the game, manager Roberto Martinez would have undoubtedly been disappointed by the fact that his side could not see the job through.
However, there were certainly a few positives for Martinez to look back upon from the game and it seems only a matter of time before Everton return to winning ways.
Here is an analysis of the performance of the Everton players on the day –
Starting XI
|
Rating |
Comment |
|
Tim Howard – 6.0
|
Did not have much to do, as Arsenal rarely attacked throughout the game. However, the American custodian would have been disappointed to concede twice late on even though he could not have done much to prevent either goal. |
|
Seamus Coleman – 6.5
|
Started off the game looking uncharacteristically shaky at the back.
However, it was the Irishman who handed Everton the lead with a fine header and then went on acquit himself very well for the rest of the game both defensively and offensively. |
|
Sylvain Distin – 5.5
|
The veteran defender did well throughout the keep the Gunners attack quiet but would have been disappointed with his defensive effort in the last minute to allow Olivier Giroud to grab a late equalizer. |
|
Phil Jagielka – 6.0
|
Much like Distin, Jagielka was solid throughout the game but could little to prevent Arsenal from scoring two goals late into the game. |
|
Leighton Baines – 6.0
|
While certainly not at his brilliant best, Baines was solid as ever. Linked up in attack well and negated Arsenal’s attacking threat at every opportunity. |
|
James McCarthy – 7.0
|
The young midfielder was once again very impressive for the Toffees. McCarthy has formed a wonderful partnership alongside Gareth Barry and helped dominate the Arsenal midfield. Tired late on into the game though and could not quite control the game as effectively as he had done early on. |
|
Gareth Barry – 7.5
|
Gareth Barry seems to get better with age and once again showed his class against Arsenal. It was his wonderful ball which allowed Seamus Coleman to open the scoring while the manner at which he dictated the tempo of the match was simply exemplary. |
|
Kevin Mirallas – 6.0
|
Looked dangerous whenever on the ball but his final ball was lacking. Will surely improve as the season goes on though. |
|
Steven Pienaar – NA
|
Suffered a unfortunate injury within the first 10 minutes of the game and his absence was certainly felt by Everton. |
|
Steven Naismith – 7.5
|
Another typical Steven Naismith performance full of running and industry. Scored his second goal of the season with a fine finish late into the first half and and the Scotsman is proving to be quite an asset for Roberto Martinez early on in the season. |
|
Romelu Lukaku – 6.5
|
Not his best performance but displayed wonderful pace, power as well as precision to slip in Steven Naismith to score the second. Was a bit wasteful in the second half and was subbed off due to what apparently looked like a foot injury. |
Substitutes
|
Leon Osman – 6.5
|
Brought on in the first 10 minutes to replace the injured Steven Pienaar and the veteran midfielder was very solid if not spectacular. Helped out defensively whenever he could and was very good overall. |
|
Aiden McGeady – NA
|
Brought on late into the game and did not have much time to make any impact. |
|
Christian Atsu – NA
|
A late substitute to see out the game. |
