Howard- 5
The American custodian seemed more assured than of late, and the blame certainly cannot be apportioned to him for either of Arsenal’s goals, yet the Blues defence has looked far more shaky since his return to the side. Still unable to distribute the ball, or command his penalty area, as effectively as the majority of his peers, Howard’s position in the team is set to remain under serious scrutiny for plenty of time to come.
Coleman- 6.5
One of Everton’s better performers on the day- the under-performing Irishman marauded forward at will and comfortably dealt with anything that Arsenal’s wide players had to throw at him. Would benefit from further support down the right-hand side, as Martinez’s inverted wingers (Barkley and Mirallas) leave him far too isolated and exposed in both an offensive and defensive sense.
Jagielka- 8
Superb performance from the captain, who marshalled his troops excellently and consistently snuffed out danger. Read the game well, intercepting numerous balls in the Everton area, and despite a few lapses in concentration when distributing the ball, fared better in possession than in recent weeks. One lung-busting run typified the commitment shown by the Sale-born central defender, who has stepped up to the plate and performed admirably over the last month or so. Unlucky to find himself, once again, in the firing line, as Rosicky’s late shot diverted off his knee and past the stranded Tim Howard. Still, for my money, comfortably Everton’s man of the match.
Stones- 5
At fault for the first goal, as Giroud stole a march whilst the defender was busy tying his laces. Confident and cool in possession, and otherwise did all that can be expected of him from a defensive point of view, yet the momentary loss of concentration was probably the key moment in the match, probably costing Everton a well-deserved share of the spoils. The fact remains, though, that the Toffees are a better side with the composed 20-year-old in the side, with Stones still England’s most promising young defender. More to come from a talented player still learning his trade.
Garbutt- 7
Another terrific performance from the England under-21 defender, who showed an impressive ability to deliver consistently from wide areas and dead-ball situations. One cross, in particular, exemplified this key facet to the Yorkshireman’s armoury, as he supplied a dangerous cross from which Lukaku almost steered the ball past the excellent Ospina. Still very much Baines’ understudy in the eyes of Roberto Martinez, the Blues would be best served offering Garbutt a new contract before he’s lured away by the promise of regular first team football.
Barry- 6
Helped Everton dominate first half possession to the tune of a staggering 71%, yet rarely picked the sort of penetrating forward pass that we saw from Darron Gibson in midweek. Battled hard, but tires quickly in games, and remains a liability in terms of the amount of cards he picks up on a regular basis. One of Martinez’s trusted servants, but should no longer be guaranteed a start in an otherwise mobile midfield.
McCarthy- 6.5
A typical performance from the effervescent Irishman, who remains such an important cog in the (malfunctioning) Everton machine. Fought for every ball, and often came off best in contests with his opposite number, whilst set the tempo for Everton’s early passing game. The fact remains, however, that McCarthy possesses enough ability to not only dominate games more, but also create and score more goals himself. Although not tasked with regularly getting into attacking positions, a goal return of 0 offers room for improvement.
Besic- 6
Fairly quiet game from the Bosnian, who showed some neat touches and turns, but failed to, overall, influence the game enough. A player of considerable promise, but like McCarthy, one who needs to do more with the ball when he has it. Once again withdrawn instead of Barry- much to the disdain of the travelling Blues- as Martinez threw Steven Naismith on in an attempt to instill greater urgency in Everton’s attacking play.
Barkley- 5.5
The Goodison starlet’s poor run of form continues, as he found himself unable to effect a game that was otherwise tailor-made for a player with his skill-set. Showed some good, albeit fleeting glimpses of real quality, but gave the ball away in dangerous places, and seemed uncomfortable positionally with his role on the left flank. For this Martinez should shoulder a large portion of the blame, with the youngster far more effective when playing as a number 10. Struggling for confidence, it is worth noting that the Wavertree-born midfielder is still only 21, and overtly negative criticism emanating from the stands may not be the best way to help Barkley regain both form and the swagger seen during parts of last season.
Mirallas- 6
Guilty of giving the ball away in numerous promising positions, the talented Belgian looked a shadow of his former self, and has done since the January transfer window closed. Clearly agitating for a move to a Champions League side, yet would be better concentrating on keeping fit and influencing matches for his current side. Another who possesses the talent sufficient to make an impact on games like this on a more frequent basis.
Lukaku- 6.5
The in-form Belgian led the line well and was twice denied by inspired bits of goalkeeping from Arsenal goalkeeper and man of the match, David Ospina. Should, for my money, have lobbed the ball over the Arsenal keeper when through on goal in the first half, but otherwise the most likely in a blue shirt to trouble a flaky Gunners defence. Capable, at his best, of firing the Toffees not only to Premier League safety, but also the latter stages of this year’s Europa League.
Subs:
Lennon- 7
Provided the pace and dynamism otherwise lacking in Everton’s performance when he entered the pitch in place of Mirallas. Drew several cynical fouls from Arsenal players looking to preserve their lead, and a good save from Ospina. Should start against Stoke on Wednesday.
Gibson- 6
Passed well as Everton looked for an equaliser, yet wasn’t given enough time to properly influence proceedings. Another who deserves a recall in time for Wednesday’s game.
Naismith- 5.5
Given a much-needed rest and looked off the pace as Everton sought to level matters. As it stands, Naismith has the necessary guts and determination to help the Blues escape the relegation dogfight they inexplicably find themselves in.
