Everton were unable to hand their fans an early Christmas present as they lost to top-of-the-table Arsenal.
The only gift that was handed out was Jake O’Brien’s handball that provided the Gunners with a penalty to open the scoring.
David Moyes was left with his head in his hands on the sidelines as he watched his side shoot themselves in the foot.
Going into the game, Everton were boosted by Jack Grealish’s injury update, but the 30-year-old was unable to offer much of an impact.
Some questionable refereeing decisions were made, with Everton denied their own opportunity from the spot in the second half.
Who were you most underwhelmed by against Arsenal? 😫
So many poor performances out there from the Blues…
Everton will go again next Saturday with a trip to Turf Moor to face Burnley.
Jordan Pickford – 6
Beaten from the spot, but handled just about everything else. Did see Arsenal hit the post twice in the second half.
Jake O’Brien – 3
With a depleted side going into a game against one of Europe’s top teams, the last thing Everton needed is to be gifting out goals.
O’Brien, what were you doing?
If you’re David Moyes, what are you saying to Jake O’Brien after THAT? 😡
James Tarkowski – 7
Jamie Carragher slammed James Tarkowski for dropping too deep and getting in the way of his goalkeeper.
The Everton captain prevented Bukao Saka from doubling Arsenal’s lead early in the second half with a goal-line block.
Michael Keane – 7
Had Arsenal’s big-money summer signing in his pocket for the 65 minutes Viktor Gyokeres was on the pitch.
Vitaliy Mykolenko – 6
Considering he picked up a yellow card in the penalty fury, Vitaliy Mykolenko did pretty well for the remainder of the game to remain on the pitch.
The Ukraine international was up against a tricky customer in Saka, but he held his own for large parts of the game.
James Garner – 6
A solid, if not spectacular showing from the reliable Everton midfielder.
What was to blame for Everton’s loss to Arsenal? 🫣
Tim Iroegbunam – 7
Returning to the starting XI for the first time after his suspension, Tim Iroegbunam put in a real shift for the Blues.
Dwight McNeil – 4
It was the big decision which Moyes had to make before kick-off and the 62-year-old snubbed Tyler Dibling for Dwight McNeil.
And it was not a decision that worked.
Charly Alcaraz – 4
He had big boots to fill with Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall sidelined through injury, but the Argentine really did not impress.
Everton are going to need Alcaraz to hit some form over the coming weeks.
Jack Grealish – 4
The huge boost going into the game that Grealish was fit to play simply did not translate into a big performance from the Englishman.
An absolute credit for what he did with the youngster before kick-off, but not a performance he will look back on with much delight.
Thierno Barry – 5
Was not provided with much service, but Thierno Barry caused William Saliba plenty of problems throughout the game and should have won a penalty.
Did not look overly happy after being replaced by Beto.
Substitutes
Beto – 5
Had very little to do in his 25-minute cameo. Work rate could not be faulted.
Tyler Dibling – N/A
The crowd made their feelings known when Dibling replaced McNeil with 15 minutes to go.
Merlin Rohl – N/A
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