The Gunners are two points ahead of Manchester City, who are starting to breathe down the North Londoners’ necks in the Prem.
Arsenal regained their lead in the table despite never really kicking into gear at the Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Viktor Gyokeres finally broke his goalless streak with a penalty-kick after 27 minutes.
Arsenal earned the spot-kick after Jake O’Brien met a Declan Rice corner-kick from the left with his hands while under pressure from Riccardo Calafiori.
But who stood out? SunSport’s Kostas Lianos rates each and every one of Mikel Arteta’s men:
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David Raya – 7
Didn’t really have to worry about making any big saves. Showed some incredible footwork as Arsenal played out the back regardless of how intense Everton’s pressing was.
Also produced incredible long-range passes when forced by the Toffees’ positioning.
Jurrien Timber – 8
Worked very well with Bukayo Saka down the right and that led to Arsenal being most dangerous down that flank.
Proved his versatility once more by moving to the left and providing a lot of support at centre-back when needed.
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William Saliba – 6
Was composed throughout the first half but it wasn’t the same story in the second half. First William Saliba gave the ball away and that almost led to Thierno Barry becoming dangerous.
The centre-back then kicked Barry’s heel inside the area in a moment that probably saved Arsenal from a soft penalty.
Piero Hincapie – 7
Very effective throughout the match in terms of marking and maintaining safety at the back.
A main reason that led to an off day for David Raya – certainly gave Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta a reason to think again ahead of Gabriel Magalhaes’ return.
Riccardo Calafiori – 7
Provided the pressure in the air that led to Jake O’Brien’s handball which caused Arsenal’s penalty.
Solid in his defensive duties when dealing with Dwight McNeil and dangerous in attack.
Martin Odegaard – 7
Orchestrated plenty of attacks and worked well with Martin Zubimendi as they combined their attacking and defensive duties respectively.
Almost picked up an assist when Zubimendi hit the bar but was caught offside in the build-up.
Martin Zubimendi – 7
Proved to be influential in midfield but had to thank his lucky stars when he was spared a booking in the second half by fouling Barry just outside the box – the midfielder had very few options as the Everton star could have found himself in a position to score.
Had a shot hitting the bar but it didn’t matter as Martin Odegaard was offside in the build-up.
Declan Rice – 8
It was his corner-kick that led to O’Brien’s handball and the penalty from which Arsenal opened the scoring.
Played a critical role with his tireless work in midfield and constant presence that blocked Everton attacks and orchestrated the Gunners’ attacks.
Bukayo Saka – 7
Had the chance to double Arsenal’s lead on 50 minutes but was denied by James Tarkowski’s timely block just ahead of the goal line.
Some incredible teamwork with Jurrien Timber down the right flank and often provided important support in a more central role.
Leandro Trossard – 6
Had an even bigger chance of putting the game away on 65 minutes when he rattled the bar from the left flank. Quite anonymous other than that.
Viktor Gyokeres – 7
Finally broke his four-game goalless duck, albeit from the penalty spot after Martin Odegaard appeared to have handed him the ball.
Was foolishlky booked for timewasting in the second half and that led to him being substituted for Gabriel Jesus.
SUBS:
Gabriel Jesus (on for Gyokeres – 65’) –6
Quite anonymous after his introduction. Gabriel Jesus is a very different forward than Viktor Gyokeres, who needs to receive the ball in the box to create threats unlike the Brazilian who can be more creative.
Needs more time after his return from injury.
Gabriel Martinelli (on for Trossard – 80’) –6
Didn’t have much time to contribute as he barely played 10 minutes.
Mikel Merino (on for Odegaard – 88′) – N/A
Barely had time to do anything notable – besides almost kind of causing an own-goal when his pass deflected off James Tarkowski who saw the ball just missing Jordan Pickford’s bottom right corner – and thus can’t be graded.