Everton have lost again in the Premier League, falling short at the Emirates Stadium against reigning champions Arsenal.

Everton got off to a dreadful start in dreadful conditions down in north London, conceding from a set-piece with Ezri Konsa bundling the ball home. Prior to this game, Everton hadn’t conceded a single goal from a set-piece, and Arsenal hadn’t scored one.

Arsenal then dominated proceedings and in the second-half the Gunners found a second goal through Gabriel, who scored at the back post after finding himself unmarked.

Ultimately, there was just a big gulf between the two sides. Everton never looked like winning, or even looked like they believed they could at times.

Everton player ratings vs Arsenal – Many struggle, especially Thierno Barry

Jordan Pickford – 4

Didn’t cover himself in any glory for Arsenal’s first goal, for which he should probably have been more dominant.

Merlin Rohl – 5

Didn’t have much chance to venture forward. But was actually pretty decent defensively in a role he is clearly still learning.

James Tarkowski – 4

He wasn’t dreadful, but he and Jake O’Brien were poor on the second Arsenal goal. Not close to the level we know he can show.

Jake O’Brien – 4

Started his first Premier League game, coming in for the injured Jarrad Branthwaite. Had zero idea where Gabriel was on the second Arsenal goal.

Vitalii Mykolenko – 4

Offered nothing going forward and may have done slightly better on the Arsenal goal. Replaced by Hayden Hackney.

James Garner – 4

Couldn’t dictate play or get Everton moving forward consistently. We just aren’t seeing the James Garner of last season right now.

Harrison Armstrong – 6

Battled hard in midfield but just couldn’t really live with Arsenal’s control and quality.

Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall – 5

Came into this game as one of the more in-form Everton players but could not exert much influence against the Gunners. Slightly improved in the second-half as he dropped deeper to try and get on the ball more. Had a really good headed chance towards the end that went narrowly wide. Replaced by Charly Alcaraz.

Tyrique George – 5

George was one of Everton’s brighter sparks on a dull day in north London. In for the injured Jack Grealish, George tried to be a positive from the left. He should have communicated better with O’Brien on the second Arsenal goal, though, as they scored at the back post.

Brennan Johnson – 3

Another game where Brennan Johnson has lacked influence and impact. Just six touches in the first-half and 10 in total. Simply should not be starting ahead of other players right now. Replaced by Tyler Dibling.

Thierno Barry – 2

Could have put Everton level just before half-time but produced a feeble effort after a Ben White mistake. He has to do better. Totally bullied throughout by Gabriel and at times it actually looked as though the Everton striker was scared of the Brazilian.

Substitutes

Tyler Dibling – N/A

Hayden Hackney – N/A

Charly Alcaraz – N/A