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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Sport
Joe Thomas & Adam Jones

Everton player 'ratings' against Arsenal as James Tarkowski and three youngsters impress

Jordan Pickford

Captain for the first half, Pickford made a good save down low to a Gabriel Jesus effort while the scores were level then saved from Bukayo Saka at his near post. But the England number one will not like to look back at Arsenal's first goal, in which he tried to come for Cedric Soares' corner, misjudged it and then could only watch as Jesus smashed it home.

Nathan Patterson

First chance to look at Patterson in an Everton shirt since the injury that ended his involvement last season. Everton had little of the ball in the first half but Patterson was released down the right by Demarai Gray. His cross was easily dealt with by Gabriel but it was good to see him getting into such a promising position.

Ben Godfrey

Unfortunate for Arsenal's first goal as Pickford's attempt to clear the ball hindered his own efforts but, along with Niels Nkounkou, could only watch as Saka got beyond them to tap in the second. Was booked for a tough challenge on Jesus.

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Yerry Mina

It was good to see Mina back in action after his injury issues last season. The centre back was in a mischevious mood and became embroiled in handbags with Jesus and Gabriel.

Mason Holgate

Made one really useful intervention after Arsenal threatened but largely had a quiet first half.

Niels Nkounkou

Everton saw two sides of Nkounkou - while he struggled, at times, to deal with Saka, he also got forward - forcing Matt Turner into a good save after he broke into the box and produced Everton's first shot on target.

Tom Davies

Everton struggled to exercise control for swathes of the first half but Davies got stuck in and cleared off the line while it was goalless.

Dele Alli

Was booed throughout by the Arsenal fans. Showed a few nice touches but Everton posed little attacking threat in the first 45.

Abdoulaye Doucoure

Doucoure filled his box-to-box credentials in this first half. He stole the ball in midfield and looked set to start a dangerous counter only to be harshly pulled back for a foul. He also played an inch-perfect cross-field ball to find Dominic Calvert-Lewin, who controlled but was just unable to get a shot away.

Demarai Gray

Fed Patterson after spotting him space following a nice turn in the middle and found Mina's head with a lovely corner, though the centre back was unable to take advantage.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin

Had a tough task for an Everton side on the back foot and which offered little going forward.

SECOND HALF

Billy Crellin

Wasn't tested in his 45 minutes nearly as much as Pickford was to begin the game, but this will have been a really promising half for the youngster. In particular Crellin was alive to the danger in the 75th minute to rush out of his area well and stop what looked a dangerous Arsenal attack.

Stanley Mills

Instantly showed his versatility here by playing as a right wing-back, which isn't his natural position. However, he slotted into the role very well, especially when bursting forwards to get a good cross into the box shortly after his introduction to the game. A very solid match from the youngster here.

James Tarkowski

As first appearances for a new club go, this was a pretty good one from James Tarkowski. He looked comfortable in possession when trying to play out from the back, was a real presence in that defensive line and was robust in a couple of challenges to make sure Arsenal couldn't get beyond him.

Michael Keane

Playing right at the heart of a back five seemed to suit Keane down to the ground. Just like his new teammate over to his right the centre-back brought a real sense of calm and balance to the defence after the half time break which was nice to see.

Reece Welch

Another youngster given a chance to impress Frank Lampard, and he certainly did well with that opportunity. He was just as comfortable as he was throughout the season for the under-23s last season, whether that was in his defensive work or with his ability on the ball. He carries himself very well and his season could be an interesting one.

Vitalii Mykolenko

Looked very comfortable in a wing-back role and was allowed to push forward a little bit more than he might have at stages last season. His highlight came with nutmegging Hector Bellerin during one particular Everton attack.

Lewis Warrington

A very impressive first taste of Everton first-team action for the youngster in this one. He instantly looked comfortable in his role through the centre of the pitch, putting in a couple of strong tackles early on and always making sure he was available for a pass from his defenders.

Jean-Philippe Gbamin

Who knows what the summer might hold for Jean-Philippe Gbamin, but getting more minutes under his belt here will no doubt be exactly what he wanted. He looked mobile in the centre of the pitch, even if he wasn't afforded as much time in possession as he might have liked.

Alex Iwobi

As lively as Evertonians have come to expect from him thanks to his performances at the end of last season. Constantly on the hunt for possession and looking to drive Everton into dangerous positions, which is certainly promising to see.

Anthony Gordon

Very energetic first 45 minutes of the summer from Everton's new No.10. He was allowed a couple of opportunities to get on the ball and really drive at the Arsenal defence, which he'll no doubt need to do a lot over the course of the coming season.

Salomon Rondon

He nearly found the back of the net right at the start of the half, looking to catch the goalkeeper off his line shortly after being introduced. His hold-up play at times was strong and allowed the Blues to get themselves forward a couple of times.

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