Ndiaye miraculous as two teammates struggle — Everton player ratings v Arsenal
Everton drew 1-1 against Arsenal in the Premier League on Saturday, with Jake O’Brien and James Tarkowski having a night to forget.
David Moyes made three changes at Goodison Park to his starting lineup as the Gunners made their way to L4, as the
Mikel Arteta’s team opened the scoring in the first half through Leandro Trossard before Iliman Ndiaye equalised for the hosts from the spot just after the break.
The Blues managed to hold off the North Londoners for most of the second half and got a point after losing to Liverpool at Anfield on 2 April.
Here, Goodison News have given their player ratings for the fixture:
O’Brien and Tarkowski falter for Everton v Arsenal
Jordan Pickford – 7
Pickford didn’t have the best of games with the ball at his feet, as the Arsenal attackers constantly pressured him. The English goalkeeper could’ve arguably done better as Trossard found the back of the net from a rather tight angle but made a mesmerising saves in the second half.
Jake O’Brien – 3
O’Brien once again started as a right-back, and he looked out of place facing Raheem Sterling and had Gabriel Martinelli to deal with in the second half. The Ireland international could’ve done better as Trossards shot went through his legs for the Gunners’ opener.
James Tarkowski – 3
Tarkowski looked shaky with his challenges and picked up a yellow card for his troubles in the second half. Overall, the Englishman looked shaky at the back.
Jarrad Branthwaite – 6
Branthwaite was the more composed defender for the Toffees over the course of the 90 minutes, but he could’ve done better with his positioning for Arsenal’s opening goal.
Nathan Patterson (replaced by Ashley Young in 65th minute) – 5
After a long layoff, Patterson got some much-needed minutes in his legs. The Scotland international played as a left-back and managed to keep Arteta’s wingers relatively quiet, barring a few clumsy challenges. The defender couldn’t contribute much going forward.
Idrissa Gueye – 6
Gueye had a mixed outing as his error led to Arsenal’s opening striker. The Senegalese midfielder was impressive for most of the game, though, controlling possession for Everton in the engine room and creating several chances.
| Appearances (2024/25) | Goals |
| 30 | 9 |
Tim Iroegbunam (replaced by James Garner in 65th minute) – 5
Iroegbunam was a bit suspect in the middle of the park for the Toffees, but the Englishman’s challenge to deny the visitors a goal was pivotal.
Jack Harrison (replaced by Dwight McNeil in 87th minute) – 7
Harrison didn’t have a lot of possession on the ball, but the winger worked hard off it. The Leeds United loanee was energetic up front for the Blues and drew the foul that led to the penalty.
Abdoulaye Doucoure – 5
Doucoure wasn’t able to have much of an impact as the hosts struggled to keep the ball. The 32-year-old couldn’t to do much in the final third but contributed defensively when needed.
Iliman Ndiaye (replaced by Carlos Alcaraz in 65th minute) – 9
Ndiaye stood out for the Toffees as he scored from the spot. The former Olympique Marseille forward was a constant threat to Arsenal’s defence with his mesmerising dribbling.
Beto (replaced by Armando Broja in 65th minute) – 6
Beto cut a lonesome figure up front, and it wasn’t his fault, as the Gunners were dominant in the first half.
Substitutes:
James Garner – 5
Armando Broja – 5
Ashley Young – 5
Carlos Alcaraz – 5