On the last day of the Premier League season, Everton went ahead against the title-chasing Gunners but were ruthlessly defeated 2-1 by them.
The Blues took the lead thanks to a deflected Idrissa Gueye free kick, but Takehiro Tomiyasu equalised three minutes later. The hosts then claimed the lead through Kai Haverz in the ninetieth minute, despite Gabriel Jesus appearing to handle the ball during the build-up. Referee Michael Oliver was invited by VAR to review the incident again on his pitchside monitor.
Jordan Pickford 8
had little chance to equalise and, like the rest of his team, was disappointed not to score the winning goal because he was too busy making a series of excellent saves to keep out Declan Rice, Gabriel Martinelli, Leandro Trossard’s effort that was deflected off Seamus Coleman, and Martin Odegaard, who was sat on the ball, with an ingenious stop.
Seamus Coleman 6
The skipper was generally kept on the back foot after scoring a last-gasp own goal against Bournemouth six weeks prior and nearly scoring another when attempting to block Trossard’s draw back.
Ashley Young 4
Gave the ball away cheaply for Havertz’s winner – even if Jesus seemed to subsequently handle it – having earlier allowed Martin Odegaard to breeze past him to set up the equaliser.
James Tarkowski 8
Booked for a late challenge on Kai Havertz who he was involved in a running battle with for most of the afternoon, he made a firm but fair slide challenge on Gabriel Martinelli that was perfectly-timed and threw himself at everything that came his way and was unfortunate not to get a block on Tomiyasu’s shot for the equaliser.
Jarrad Branthwaite 7
On the last day of this incredible season, in which he has been Everton’s breakout star, there were a few shaky moments. He managed to get away with playing a no-look pass across the face off his own goal and then did just about enough to stop Haverz after misjudging an aerial ball, but he still had his share of outstanding defensive plays..
Idrissa Gueye 8
His heavily-deflected free-kick off Declan Rice put Everton into a shock lead having set the tone with an early block on Takehiro Tomiyasu just outside the area and was fighting fires from then onwards.
Amadou Onana 8
Before heading to the Euros, he had a great game against one of his rumoured pursuers. He had a great slide tackle on Declan Rice when the Arsenal player was through on goal. a vital block to keep Emile Smith Rowe at bay and did a good job carrying the ball.
Abdoulaye Doucoure 6
Cautioned for a spot of handbags that resulted in Gabriel going to ground dramatically, he was nominally Everton’s most-advanced midfield man but mostly found himself in congestion in the centre of the park with few opportunities to support his striker.
James Garner 5
Did a job for his side in tough circumstances, full of industry as always but didn’t get much change out on the right wing with little in terms of end product.
Dwight McNeil 7
Added a touch of silk to Everton’s steel and rurned into ‘The Rochdale Ronaldo’ for a few seconds when embarking on a mazy dribble, he was one of more-progressive performers for the visitors and won the free-kick that led to their goal.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin 6
Led the line manfully and had some big opportunities, including a double chance in the first half when played through on goal, hitting the post with his first shot and then firing the rebound into the side-netting and then a curling effort that David Raya did well to claim after the break.
Youssef Chermiti (on 75 for Calvert-Lewin) 5
Provided some fresh legs up front late on but had the coaching staff annoyed when he gave the ball away cheaply.
Beto (on 90 for Doucoure)
Stoppage time cameo after Everton went behind.
Read more news on https://sportupdates.co.uk
Leave a Reply