Arsenal travelled to Everton in their last Premier League fixture before a huge Champions League quarter final against Real Madrid.
Arsenal fans reacted to Mikel Arteta’s selection as the manager made five changes with one eye on that Champions League first leg at the Emirates Stadium.
Raheem Sterling and Leandro Trossard came into the side, whilst Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli joined Martin Odegaard on the Gunners bench.
It was Sterling and Trossard who combined for the Gunners opening goal as the Belgian picked up Sterling’s pass and struck an effort beyond Jordan Pickford into the far corner.
Myles Lewis-Skelly conceded a penalty early in the second half and allowed Iliman Ndiaye to beat David Raya from the spot to equalise for Everton.
A battling draw on Merseyside for the Gunners and it further strengthens their grip on second place in the Premier League.
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Winners from Arsenal’s clash with Everton
Leandro Trossard
Given the central striker role after having been a substitute in the 2-1 victory Fulham, Trossard looked lively from the first minute as he closed down Pickford to force a mistake from the England goalkeeper.
His fluidity in movement and intelligence on the ball caused James Tarkowski and Jarrod Branthwaite all sorts of problems before the Belgian got his reward with a beautiful finish on his weaker left foot.
Trossard will now be hoping his performance can force his way into Arteta’s plans for the Champions League clash with Real Madrid, he has done his chances no harm with an excellent display.
Raheem Sterling
Sterling’s decline at Arsenal this season has been evident for all to see but after an improved performance in the European tie against PSV recently, the England international once again impressed against Everton.
His work rate was impeccable off the left flank and looked more decisive with his decision-making throughout the game, indicating that his confidence is starting to return. He can consider himself hard done by to be brought off at half time.
He got his reward for his first half performance with an assist for Trossard’s goal and Arsenal will now hope that Sterling can build upon this performance from now until the end of the season.
Jakub Kiwior
Kiwior was awarded the man of the match award and fully deserved the accolade with an excellent display against a tough opponent in the physical striker Beto.
The Polish international was aggressive in his defending and decisive in his decision making, he knew when to play the ball out and was also not afraid to clear his lines when needed.
He won a number of important headers and his positioning alongside William Saliba could not be faulted, he will now hope to take this confidence into the Real Madrid clash.
Losers from Arsenal’s clash with Everton
Ethan Nwaneri
Nwaneri has enjoyed a stunning break through season at Arsenal but will be the first to admit it wasn’t his finest display in the red and white shirt against the Toffees.
Everton full back Nathan Patterson set his stall out early on with a crunching tackle on the 18-year-old and from then had the upper hand in the battle, often forcing Nwaneri to turn into trouble.
Bukayo Saka replaced the Hale End star at the break and now Nwaneri needs to learn from the fact that opposition defenders will begin to give him different treatment as his reputation grows.
Myles Lewis-Skelly
There is a lot of talk surrounding what Lewis-Skelly’s best position will become at Arsenal and this afternoon was another huge lesson for the youngster.
He was caught numerous times on the ball in the first half which led to some dangerous counter attacks from Everton before a lapse in concentration cost him team at the start of the second half.
Lewis-Skelly failed to deal with a long goal kick from Pickford and ultimately brought down Jack Harrison in the box for the Toffees to equalise.
The 18-year-old will know only too well that any indecisiveness will be pounced upon against Real Madrid but will back himself to bounce back in the huge clash.
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