PLAYER RATINGS: Gabriel Jesus scored one, created another and his movement was crucial to tying the Arsenal attack together… while James Tarkowski made his mark for Everton
Arsenal coasted to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton in their pre-season friendly at the M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore.
Gabriel Jesus opened the scoring for the Gunners in the 33rd minute of the game and went on to provide an assist for Bukayo Saka – who scored Arsenal’s second just three minutes later.
Sportsmail’s Daniel Matthews took a look at how each player performed during the pre-season friendly in Baltimore.
Arsenal coasted to a comfortable 2-0 victory over Everton in their pre-season friendly
ARSENAL (4-2-3-1)
Matt Turner – 6.5
American was cheered more for his local ties than any meaningful contributions. Alert to sweep up balls over the top but looked hesitant with the ball at his feet.
Cedric Soares – 7
His corner deceived both Ben Godfrey and Jordan Pickford to set up Gabriel Jesus’ opening goal. Denied Calvert-Lewin at the other end with a fine covering tackle before coming off at half time.
William Saliba – 7.5
His second Arsenal appearance passed without major incident, which serves as a compliment to his assuredness up against Calvert-Lewin. Switched to the right of a back three and was rarely troubled.
Gabriel Magalhaes – 7
Became involved in a needless shoving match with Abdoulaye Doucoure during the first half but that was as close as Everton came to causing him any angst.
Nuno Tavares – 6.5
A typically buccaneering cameo from the left back, who was a threat going forward but whose wayward positioning allowed Nathan Patterson into a dangerous position.
Granit Xhaka – 6
Almost opened the scoring with a glancing header that hit the woodwork. With the ball at his feet, however, the midfielder was surprisingly wasteful, gifting Everton a couple of half-chances.
Thomas Partey – 6.5
Caught in several messy challenges as this friendly became needlessly tetchy during the first half. Was neat and tidy at the back of midfield.
Bukayo Saka – 7.5
His goal, finished from close range at the back post, 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 the Everton backline.
Gabriel Martinelli – 7.5
Carried a threat both from left wing and left wing back but was occasionally let down by his end product.
Gabriel Jesus – 9
Could hardly have asked for a better first start. Jesus scored one, created another and his movement was crucial to tying the Arsenal attack together. Brings intensity and bite to Arteta’s side.
SUBS:
Ainsley Maitland-Niles – 6.5
Tried his luck with one long-range effort as Arsenal pushed for a third in the second half.
Rob Holding – 6
Came into the centre of Arsenal’s backline as Arteta shifted to a back three. Rarely troubled.
Mohamed Elneny – 6.5
Typically industrious and disciplined in midfield after coming on at half-time.
Eddie Nketiah – 6.5
Struggled for clear-cut 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 as both right wing-back and right back after coming on but failed to create anything meaningful.
Nicolas Pepe – 5
Failed to make much impact as the game fizzled out during the second half, save for one curling effort late on.
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 6
Pablo Mari – 5
Reiss Nelson – 5
Reuell Walters – 7
EVERTON FIRST HALF XI (5-4-1):
Jordan Pickford – 6
Nathan Patterson – 6
Mason Holgate – 6
Yerry Mina – 6.5
Ben Godfrey – 6
Niels Nkounkou – 5
Demarai Gray – 5
Tom Davies – 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 – 7
James Tarkowski – 7
Michael Keane – 6.5
Reece Welch – 6.5
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 7
Jean-Philippe Gbamin – 6.5
Lewis Warrington – 7
Alex Iwobi – 7.5
Anthony Gordon – 7
Salomon Rondon – 6
More to follow…
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