The Game

Based on what we saw this afternoon, this is a very important point won rather than two precious lost points. Everton came to the Emirates with no intention whatsoever to sit back and defend and they played a brilliant game, looking more comfortable than our players in the terrible snow conditions. Credit to the lads of course who twice came from behind, showing great fighting spirit.

Having said that, we also had to unfortunately witness recurring problems in the side and the first goal, with Denilson giving the ball away in midfield and then Almunia making a mess in his attempt to deal with the corner shows that there are days when you can easily get away with such mistakes but on other occasions, you get punished.

Match Video Highlights

Match video highlights are available in the Videos section of our website. If not there yet, rest assured they will be up in a matter of hours.

Player Ratings

Almunia: 3 – He’s one of the biggest liabilities of the side, the way he deals with high balls, his distribution and decisions to come out are shocking to say the least. Unfortunately, Premiership titles are not won with these type of goalkeepers.

Gallas: 5 – Not fully convinced with William today. Lost his marker a good number of times and caught out of position as well.

Vermaelen: 6,5 – Fought hard from the first to the last minute and also went close to score, only to have his effort blocked.

Traore: 4 – Not the best of games for the young Frenchman who looked terrible immediately from the start.

Sagna: 6 – Decent game, nothing fancy, but made his self available on the right when needed.

Denilson: 4 – Replacing Alex Song was always going to be difficult. Unfortunately, besides not having his height and strength, Denilson tends to lose the ball cheaply way too many times and it was from one of these lost balls that Everton went on to win a corner from which they scored in the first half. Needless to say, let’s hope his injury is not as serious as I’m afraid it is.

Diaby: 7 – The only one in central midfield to have done well. Some of his interceptions and blocks were crucial and was pivotal in the move leading to the second goal, not to mention that he’s also doing incredibly well in helping the defensive department.

Ramsey: 4 – Too easily dispossessed and almost all his passes went astray today. Did he feel the pressure young Aaron?

Nasri: 6 – On and off game for Samir. Did well when in possession but there were moments where he completely vanished out of the game.

Eduardo: 5,5 – Was full of runs the Croatian but clearly not comfortable on the left wing. Was of course more dangerous when he shifted into the middle.

Arshavin: 5,5 – Just like Eduardo, playing up front alone is not easy for the Russian, who, with the exception of some nice passes, failed to make an impact.

(Subs)
Rosicky: 6 – For someone who is back from injury, he looked sharp. If he stays fit, he can be a big asset in midfield.

Vela and Merida: No Vote – Very little time on the pitch to give a judgement on these two. Carlos did provide his usual spark on the left but needs more time on the pitch.