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[Ratings & goals] Arsenal 3-2 Everton: Leno & Aubameyang star for Gunners

By on February 23, 2020

pierre-emerick aubameyang arsenal

Arsenal recovered from an early set-up to grind out an important 3-2 victory over Everton at the Emirates this afternoon.

Poor defending allowed Everton to score inside the opening minute as Dominic Calvert-Lewin acrobatically found the back of the net – although the goal should probably have been ruled out for dangerous play as his high foot literally caught Luiz on the head.

Arsenal responded well and levelled things up in the 27th minute when Eddie Nketiah justified his selection by making it 1-1 with a nice finish from a stunning Bukayo Saka cross.

We continued to pile on the pressure and took the lead in the 33rd minute when David Luiz sent Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang clear with a wonderful throughball and the Gabon hitman kept his cool to slot home for 2-1.

More poor defending gifted Everton an equaliser just before half time as we failed to clear a corner and Richrlison got a slight touch on a Yerry Mina flick to poke past Bernd Leno – who should have done better to stop the goal.

Arsenal came flying out the blocks for the second half and restored their lead within a minute as Aubameyang headed home from a Pepe cross to make it 3-2. Everton pushed for an equaliser and Arsenal had to rely on the brilliance of Leno to stay in the lead but we held on to secure a vital win.

Here are my ratings:

Leno  8/10 | Should have been braver to prevent the second goal but made a stunning save to deny Calvert-Lewin a second half equaliser. It was a huge save that won us the game. He also made a couple of other top class saves during the game.

Bellerin  6/10 | Given a tough time by Richarlison and Calvert-Lewin down the right flank and didn’t get forward as much as usual.

Mustafi  7/10 | A mixed game. Was all over the place on a couple of occasions but stepped-up in the second half when he made numerous headed clearances and blocks.

Luiz  6.5/10 | Awful defending for the opener as he got his position all wrong but played a superb pass to assist Aubameyang for the second goal.

Kolasinac  5/10 | Played everybody onside for the Everton opener. Forced off with a shoulder injury in the first half following a nasty high challenge by Sidibe. Hopefully it isn’t too serious.

Xhaka  6.5/10 | Wasn’t able to dictate play like he usually does at home but did well to help break up Everton attacks.

Ceballos  7/10 | Put in a real shift in midfield as he worked hard to do the defensive work and was also decent on the ball. Not his best performance by any stretch but solid display.

Ozil  7/10 | Some superb touches and found space well to link midfield to attack. Did his bit defensively too. Didn’t create too much but put in a decent shift.

Pepe  6.5/10 | Lovely cross to set-up Aubameyang for his second goal but only had flashes of influence in the game as most of our good play came from down the left wing.

Aubameyang  8/10 | Kept his cool to slot home for 2-1 with a wonderful finish and brave header made it 3-2 just after half time. Another crucial brace to take his season tally to 19. Worked his socks off too down the left wing to help out defensively. Terrific all-round performance from the skipper.

Nketiah  7/10 | Great to see him get his first league goal at the Emirates and it was a vital equaliser. Almost got another when he clattered the bar late on. Lead the line well and he didn’t stop running.

Subs:

Saka   7/10 | Stunning cross set-up Nketiah for the first goal – his 10th assist of the season. Some sloppy play late on blotted his performance.

Torreira   6/10 | On to help see out the game in the final 15 minutes.

Guendouzi   N/A | On too late.

Watch the goals here: