Arsenal were in for a shock at Goodison Park, as 10-men Everton came back from behind to win the game 2-1, handing the Gunners their second defeat of the season.
Alexis Sanchez scored his 12th goal of the season to put Arsenal ahead in the 20th minute via a deflected free-kick, but the Toffees came back just before the half-time with Seamus Coleman heading a Leighton Baines cross into the net to make it 1-1 at half time.
Soon after the restart, Mesut Ozil missed a glorious opportunity to put the Gunners back in the driver’s seat and with four minutes to play, defender Ashley Williams headed home from a Ross Barkley corner to seal the three points for Ronald Koeman’s men. There was some late drama as Phil Jagielka saw a second yellow in the injury time, but the home side held on to their lead and condemned Wenger’s side to a defeat.
In what was a disappointing result for the North Londoners, let’s take a look at how each player fared:
Petr Cech – 6
There was not much he could do to stop either goal. Made a very good stop from Jagielka’s effort just before Everton’s winner.
Nacho Monreal – 6
Always keen to get forward, didn’t track Coleman for the equaliser. Almost got the leveller for Arsenal late in the game, but the effort was blocked by Funes Mori.
Laurent Koscielny – 7
The Frenchman had a great game as he dealt comfortably with everything that Everton threw at him. Wasn’t at fault for either goal.
Gabriel Paulista – 6
Having started in the absence of Shkodran Mustafi, the Brazilian looked strong going up against Romelu Lukaku. Made a few good interceptions and was largely untroubled.
Hector Bellerin – 6
The Spaniard was making his first full start post injury and had a good game defensively. Was solid at the back, did not give Everton wingers much joy down his flank, but wasn’t as effective going forward as he usually is.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Always up for a battle in the midfield. However, struggled to get the game going as he was not afforded much space by the energetic Idrissa Gueye.
Francis Coquelin -6
Aggressive, full of energy, another typical performance from the French midfielder. Got forward when needed as well and the foul on him by Jagielka earned the free-kick from which Sanchez scored the opener.
Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – 5
Disappointing night for the former Southampton player. Had no impact whatsoever on the left flank and was taken off for Iwobi with 20 minutes to play.
Mesut Ozil – 6
Not the German’s best game. Missed two chances to increase the Gunners’ advantage on either side of half-time.
Theo Walcott – 5
Anonymous for most of the game. Was at fault for Everton’s first goal as he afforded way too much space to Baines on the left to pick out a cross.
Alexis Sanchez – 7
Gave Wenger’s side the lead with a powerful albeit deflected free-kick in the first half. Teed up Ozil with a low cross in the second half only for the German to fire over the bar. Was always a threat to the Evertonian defence.
Substitutes
Olivier Giroud – 5
Replaced Theo Walcott in the 71st minute. Hardly had a touch.
Alex Iwobi – 5
Was unlucky not to score in the dying moments of the game as his shot was cleared off the line. But other than that, had no impact after coming on for Oxlade-Chamberlain in the 71st minute.
Lucas Perez – NA
Came on for Coquelin in the 88th minute after Everton took the lead as Wenger went chasing for an equaliser. However, not enough time to leave a mark.
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