Arsenal Player Ratings: Max Dowman Shines as Future Gunners Star, Raya Keeps Hope Alive, While Madueke Faces Challenges on the Left

TEENAGE sensation Max Dowman kept Arsenal on course for title success with a decisive contribution off the bench to help the Gunners beat Everton 2-0.

have been criticised for over-reliance on set-pieces this season, and without any to bail them out there, they couldn’t seem to find any magic from open play.

Max Dowman, 16, was the Arsenal hero and difference makerCredit: Getty David Raya has been a big player for Arsenal between the sticks and made more big savesCredit: Getty

That was until 16-year-old was introduced in the second half and played a brilliant ball into the box that left Jordan Pickford flapping and allowed Piero Hincapie to set up for an open goal.

Arsenal might truly have the next big thing on their hands as the young Gun later carried the ball all the way from the edge of his own box into the Everton half and

And that strike officially makes him the youngest ever goalscorer.

Here’s how SunSport Arsenal reporter Joshua Hall rated each individual performance…

DAVID RAYA – 8

A number of crucial stops to deny Everton and keep Arsenal alive in the game.

Raya has really has started to cement himself as one of the best goalkeepers around this season and it is so rare to see him let the side down.

With shaky goalkeepers a theme all over the league at the moment, Arsenal have got a real gem between the sticks.

RICCARDO CALAFIORI – 7

Piero Hincapie has been so good recently that Calafioiri has barely had a chance to play, but it was refreshing to see him back.

The Italian is not only defensively solid, but pops up in areas you would normally expect to see a second striker or a creative midfielder.

His acrobatic block in the first half denied Dwight McNeil an almost certain goal.

GABRIEL MAGALHAES – 6

Gabriel was solid once again for the GunnersCredit: Getty

Another solid defensive performance from the Brazilian.

He is aways reliable, but Arsenal could do with him popping up with those set-piece goals again some time soon.

WILLIAM SALIBA – 6

It’s rare to see a centre-back given the ball as often as William Saliba had it today.

The Frenchman seemed to have more touches than most during the first half, and so often high into the opposition half.

Unfortunately, that means putting pressure on a centre-half to make decisive passes and create chances – something Saliba struggled to do.

JURRIEN TIMBER – 5

The full-back looks tired and after playing so often for Arteta this season.

It now seems that, at times, that tiredness is leading to lethargic play and slow decision making.

Perhaps today that was down to injury, as he was substituted for Cristhian Mosquera in the 37th minute after signalling to the bench that he had a groin issue.

MARTIN ZUBIMENDI – 7

A few months ago we were all talking about how Martin Zubimendi’s attacking return was going under the radar, but he has struggled ever since.

Today he had a few nice moments in and around the Everton box and looked like an additional creative outlet against a David Moyes team that can be difficult to break down.

DECLAN RICE – 7

Declan Rice is crucial to the way Arsenal attack and defendCredit: Getty

It feels like you can write the same thing every week about Declan Rice, no matter the opponent.

Another stellar performance full of progressive ball carrying, line-breaking passes and breaking up play.

He is so crucial to the way this Arsenal team defends and attacks.

EBERE EZE – 6

This was a seriously mixed performance from Eze.

At times he was demanding the ball and looking to move it forward when he did get it at his feet.

But he also looked slow in possession at other times and didn’t carry the attacking threat Arsenal fans want to see.

His splitting pass played through Havertz for a golden opportunity, before the German fell to the ground and was denied a penalty by referee Andrew Madley.

Martin Odegaard was at the Emirates to watch today, you have to think he will be confident he can add more spark when he finally returns from injury.

NONI MADUEKE – 5

Madueke impressed off the bench in midweek and won Arsenal a crucial late penalty.

Today he looked more timid, rarely darting into the box and making those mazy runs that so often create opportunities or cause trouble in dangerous areas.

BUKAYO SAKA – 7

Saka delivered a much improved performance from the one at LeverkusenCredit: Getty

Relished having Kai Havertz alongside him once again after struggling to form a partnership with Viktor Gyokeres at times this season.

The winger was able to be more creative at times and displayed some inventive passing and dangerous runs.

After being hooked off at 60 minutes in midweek for an uncharacteristically poor showing, this was a much better performance for the Arsenal captain on the day.

KAI HAVERTZ – 6

The gap in technical ability between Havertz and Viktor Gyokeres is stark.

Havertz’s close control and willingness to hold onto the ball under pressure makes Arsenal a far more dangerous outfit.

There’s no doubting Gyokeres is lethal when he does get his opportunity, but this game was evidence that Havertz could be crucial to Arsenal getting over the line in the title race.

The forward was denied a penalty after being shoved and having his foot stamped on in the box – it will be a talking point for a lot of Arsenal fans.

SUBSTITUTES

CRISTHIAN MOSQUERA (for Timber, 37min) – 7

Always a solid stand-in and today was no different.

Even when playing at right-back he is able to hold his own when called upon.

VIKTOR GYOKERES (for Havertz, 61min) – 7

Does not have anywhere near the finesse and technical ability that Havertz has.

However, you don’t need it when you can pop up at the right place at the right time and win the game for your team.

The Swede was exactly where he needed to be knock the ball into an open net after Max Dowman’s cross had caused havoc late on.

GABRIEL MARTINELLI (for Madueke, 61min) – 6

A few nice moments off the bench, including forcing a strong save from Jordan Pickford.

MAX DOWMAN (for Zubimendi, 73min) – 9

Started making things happen as soon as he came on.

At just 16 years old it is remarkable how confident and comfortable he looks in a Premier League fixture.

It was his dangerous ball from the right wing that caused all kinds of issues for Everton’s back line and ultimately gave Viktor Gyokeres a golden moment to win the game at the death.

Then came the moment that will make the world sit up and take notice of the youngster.

Dowman ran from deep within his own half, beating two Everton men and slotted Arsenal’s second goal into an open net.

A fan mural of the teenager was unveiled outside the Emirates before kick off today and, although a little presumptuous, you would back Dowman to have earned his spot amongst Arsenal’s greats in the future.

PIERO HINCAPIE (for Calafiori, 73min) – 7

Solid enough to sure things up for the last period of the game.

A few bits of brave defending at the death.