PLAYER RATINGS: Gabriel Jesus scored one goal, created another and his movement was crucial in holding Arsenal’s attack together…while James Tarkowski left his mark on Everton
arsenal rolled in to a comfortable 2-0 win everton in their preseason friendly at Baltimore’s M&T Bank Stadium.
Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring for the Gunners in the 33rd minute of the game and provided an assist for Bukayo Saka – who scored Arsenal’s second goal just three minutes later.
Sportsmail’s Daniel Matthews took a look at each player’s performance during the friendly in Baltimore.
Arsenal recorded a comfortable 2-0 win over Everton in the pre-season friendly
Arsenal (4-2-3-1)
Matt Turner – 6.5
American was acclaimed more for its local connections than for meaningful contributions. Ready to sweep balls over the top but appeared hesitant with the ball at his feet.
Cedric Soares – 7th
His corner fooled both Ben Godfrey and Jordan Pickford to set up Gabriel Jesus’ opening goal. Denied by Calvert-Lewin at the other end with a fine deck attack before being eliminated at halftime.
William Saliba – 7.5
His second Arsenal appearance was uneventful, which serves as a compliment for his confidence against Calvert-Lewin. Switched to the right side of a back three and was rarely worried.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Got involved in an unnecessary shove game with Abdoulaye Doucoure in the first half but that was so close Everton scared him.
Nuno Tavares – 6.5
A typical privateer performance from the left-back who posed a threat up front but whose wayward positioning put Nathan Patterson in a dangerous position.
Granite Xhaka – 6
He almost opened the scoring with a header that hit the woodwork. With the ball at his feet, however, the midfielder was surprisingly wasteful, handing Everton a couple of half-chances.
Thomas Partey – 6.5
Caught in several chaotic challenges as this friendly got unnecessarily irritated in the first half. Was clean and tidy in the rear midfield.
Bukayo-Saka – 7.5
His goal, which he finished at the back post from close range, was deserved for the trouble he caused Everton left-back Niels Nkounkou
Martin Odegaard – 5.5
Made little impact on his return despite constantly looking for openings in Everton’s backline.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5
Carried a threat from both left and left wing but was occasionally let down by his end product.
Gabriel Jesus – 9
One could hardly have wished for a better first start. Jesus scored one goal, created another and his movement was crucial in bringing Arsenal’s attack together. Brings intensity and bite to Arteta’s side.
SUBS:
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6.5
Tried his luck with a long-range shot as Arsenal pushed for a third in the second half.
Rob Holding – 6th
Came into the middle of Arsenal’s backline when Arteta switched to a back three. Rarely troubled.
Mohamed Elneny – 6.5
Typically hard-working and disciplined in midfield after being substituted on at half-time.
Eddie Nketiah – 6.5
Had fought for clear chances but the striker’s hard work off the ball almost forced a third goal after a loose back pass.
Hector Bellerin – 6
Played very high at both right-back and right-back after coming on, but failed to create anything significant.
Nicholas Pepe – 5
Didn’t have much effect as the game fizzled out in the second half, save for a late hour curling attack.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6th
Pablo Mari-5
Rice Nelson – 5th
Reuell Walters – 7th
EVERTON FIRST HALF XI (5-4-1):
Jordan Pickford – 6th
Nathan Patterson-6
Mason Holgate – 6th
Yerry Mina – 6.5
Ben Godfrey – 6
Niels Nkounkou – 5
Demarai Gray – 5
Tom Davis – 6
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 6.5
Dele Alli – 5
Dominic Calvert-Lewin – 6.5
SECOND HALF XI (5-4-1)
Billy Crellin – 6.5
Stanley Mills – 7th
James Tarkovsky – 7th
Michael Keane – 6.5
Reece Welch – 6.5
Vitaly Mykolenko – 7
Jean-Philippe Gbamin – 6.5
Lewis Warrington – 7th
Alex Iwobi – 7.5
Anthony Gordon—7
Solomon Rondon – 6
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