Arsenal 2-0 Everton: player ratings

Arsenal have bounced back. After midweek’s Champions League disaster, Arsenal returned to winning ways after beating Everton 2-0 at home in Premier League action. After a sluggish opening period, Arsenal grabbed the lead six minutes before half time courtesy of Olivier Giroud. It was a brilliantly worked set piece routine, as Ozil’s swung in his cross low and out swinging. Giroud got across his marker to sweep the ball home with his weaker right foot. Arsenal would seal the deal late on through substitute Tomas Rosicky whose deflected effort deceived Tim Howard in the Everton goal.

Much needed for Arsenal who hadn’t beaten Everton in the last 5 matches, and much needed for Giroud who endured a bit of a nightmare on Wednesday.

Today’s match saw Wenger make two changes, most notably the inclusion of Gabriel Paulista in place of Per Mertesacker. The vice captain has been out of sorts lately, with his lack of pace really getting exposed in midweek. Gabriel did well on his full Premier League debut, and may have staked his claim for a run in the team.

Back into third and back on track for Arsenal, and a good result to take into Wednesday’s clash with QPR. View the player ratings from today’s match.