100% aerials, 90% passing: 116-touch star was Arsenal's best player vs Everton, not Bukayo Saka
Arsenal returned to the top of the Premier League standings after a 1-0 victory over Everton at the Hill Dickinson Stadium on Saturday night.
The Gunners created plenty of chances against the Merseyside outfit, but the winning goal came from the penalty spot in the 27th minute.
Viktor Gyokeres’ goal secured the victory, but the club could have easily scored more.
Leandro Trossard and Martin Zubimendi hit the woodwork, while James Tarkowski made a brilliant goal-line clearance to deny Bukayo Saka.
Saka was handed the man of the match after the encounter, but in our view, midfielder Declan Rice was the best player on the pitch yesterday.
The 26-year-old was exceptional with 20 defensive contributions. He made 10 recoveries with four clearances, three interceptions, two tackles and won 100 percent of his aerial duels (3/3).
Rice had 116 touches against the Toffees and completed 87 out of 97 passes, an accuracy of 90 percent. He proved a key catalyst behind the Gunners’ victory.
His precise delivery from a corner contributed to Jack O’Brien’s handball in the box. Rice was also unlucky not to grab an assist as Trossard should have scored.
Rice made a superb forward run and put the ball on the plate for Trossard, who surprisingly hit the woodwork with a curling effort, given his good form.
The midfielder’s performance was described as ‘unbelievable‘ after the game by manager Mikel Arteta.
Arsenal remain two points clear of Manchester City at the top of the table. They are scheduled to host Brighton & Hove Albion and Aston Villa in the league before the New Year.
Prior to that, the Gunners have a Carabao Cup quarter-final against Crystal Palace on Tuesday night.
Arteta is likely to make numerous changes from the Merseyside trip. If Arsenal were to progress, they will face London rivals Chelsea in a double-legged semi-final in January/February.
Stats from Fotmob.com
The post 100% aerials, 90% passing: 116-touch star was Arsenal's best player vs Everton, not Bukayo Saka first appeared on ArsenalNews.co.uk.