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Arsenal ran out convincing victors over Everton at the Emirates in Saturday's evening kick-off despite a narrow scoreline.
Arsene Wenger’s biggest call going into the game was to start with Olivier Giroud up front after two goals in two, with Theo Walcott dropping to the bench.
The Frenchman justified his selection by opening the scoring when he flicked Mesut Ozil’s superb cross over the top of Tim Howard.
The home side’s lead was doubled soon after through an unlikely source - Laurent Koscielny. The centre-back was unchallenged when he rose to head home from point blank range and, from there,
For the travelling support, the afternoon went from bad to worse when the last train back to Merseyside was cancelled, forcing many to rush to the gangways.
Ross Barkley's goal went some way to lightening the mood in the away end, with the youngster's shot deflecting off Gabriel and passing Petr Cech.
Everton came again in the second half and went closest through Romelu Lukaku, who saw a header strike the bar.
Gerard Deulofeu, an energetic presence in the second half, could have done better when bearing down on goal but his shot was straight at the 'keeper.
The Merseysiders' misery was compounded just before full-time when Gareth Barry received a second booking.
What did we make of each player's performance? Take a look at our gallery to find out...
Show all 22 1 /22Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Petr Cech - 6 out of 10 Unsurprisingly the driving rain of north London made this a tough match for the goalkeeper, who lost control of the ball on one occasion. Once the rain stopped normal service was resumed as he commanded his penalty area and looked confident on crosses.
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Hector Bellerin - 6 out of 10 Did not bomb forward with the same regularity as he often does, perhaps because he was conscious of the pace of Lennon on the counter. The winger gave Bellerin little to worry about and once more there was plenty of defensive maturity from the 20-year-old.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Gabriel - 6 out of 10 The centre-half was desperately unlucky to see Barkley’s effort deflect off him and past Cech, but otherwise this was a perfectly adequate display from Per Mertesacker’s replacement. He competed well on the rare occasions he had to, but was not often called into action.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Laurent Koscielny - 7 out of 10 Took the lead in dealing with Arsenal’s one-time scourge Romelu Lukaku and did so with notable ease. Capped another excellent display with a well-deserved goal that gave Arsenal a crucial cushion.
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Nacho Monreal - 6 out of 10 Dealt confidently with the not inconsiderable threat posed by Gerard Deulofeu, setting the tone early on with tight marking and firm but fair tackling. However he got too confident as the game wore on and Deulofeu exploited his eagerness to get forward.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Francis Coquelin - 6 out of 10 His more physical skills were not always needed in a game in which Arsenal were invariably in the ascendancy. But he still has a very useful passing range , which he showed on many occasions operating from the base of Arsenal’s midfield.
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Santi Cazorla - 7 out of 10 A sumptuous delivery for Koscielny’s goal was typical of the Spanish playmaker’s game. After a few insipid games he was at his creative best, pulling the strings from deep and keeping composed and calm as colleagues such as Oxlade-Chamberlain rushed to force chances.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain - 5 out of 10 Perhaps the biggest difference between Oxlade-Chamberlain and his senior colleagues is his decision-making, and it showed today. When he should have passed he too often took the direct route, but only ever ran into traffic.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Mesut Ozil - 8 out of 10 Wenger may be right; this could be the “golden age” of Ozil. Once more the star man lived up to his billing, creating chances at will and providing an outstanding delivery for Giroud’s opener.
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Alexis Sanchez - 6 out of 10 The Premier League’s Duracell bunny was running on empty for much of this game. The attitude and endeavour was still there, but he seemed too tired to dictate the outcome of the game. Arsenal will benefit greatly from the week’s rest he will enjoy.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Olivier Giroud - 8 out of 10 He loves playing against Everton, and it showed with a fifth goal in his last five against the visitors. Of course he brought physicality to attack but, after some low moments in recent months, more important was the confidence he played with. He was a bullying presence that Phil Jagielka and John Stones often struggled to deal with.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Tim Howard - 5 out of 10 Could have claimed the ball before Koscielny nodded home and his punching left a lot to be desired.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Seamus Coleman - 5 out of 10 Failed to counter-balance Galloway's defensive on the left with attacking forays of his own down the right.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings John Stones - 6 out of 10 The type of competent display we've come to expect from the England international but
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Phil Jagielka - 6 out of 10 Could've been closer to Giroud for the first goal. Forced off in the second half through injury. Ruben Funes Mori
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Brendan Galloway – 6 out of 10 Another decent display from the youngster, if only in relation to the team's poor showing.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Gareth Barry - 3 out of 10 Off the pace throughout, his performance made worse by a late needless dismissal.
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings James McCarthy – 4 out of 10 Typically ineffective and untypically anxious in possession. One of his poorer showings in recent memory.
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Aaron Lennon – 5 out of 10 Poor. Did little, if nothing, to justify selection over Kevin Mirallas.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Ross Barkley – 7 out of 10 His goal provided a single spark in Everton’s dim performance.
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Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Gerard Deulofeu – 6 out of 10 Noticeably improved in the second half, could have done better with a late chance to equalise.
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings Romelu Lukaku – 5 out of 10 A largely anonymous presence until his header was cleared off the bar late on but could legitmately argue that he lacked support.
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