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Arsenal secured a late win in the most dramatic of fashions after being frustrated for so long by a spirited Everton.

The Gunners could have gone behind after a Dwight McNeil double chance was first blocked by Riccardo Calafiori before a long-range strike hit the post. Kai Havertz believed he should have had a penalty after Michael Keane tripped him in the box but the referee and VAR said no.

The second half began with Arsenal on the front foot, backed by an energetic crowd. Eberechi Eze saw the best chance of its early stages drop just wide after a long-range attempt.

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Mikel Arteta threw on more attacking players including youngster Max Dowman in an attempt to find the breakthrough. Viktor Gyokeres was in the right place at the right time to open the scoring before Dowman sealed a crucial three points late on.

Here is how football.london rated the performances of the Arsenal players involved:

David Raya – Produced a good save from Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall’s attempt. He was then forced early in the second half to make a great save with his legs from Beto. 7

Jurrien Timber – Had to be taken off before the half-time whistle after suffering a right ankle injury. 5

William Saliba – An early error focused the Frenchman, and he was quickly becoming one of the more influential players in the game. 7

Gabriel – The Brazilian was locked in emotionally for the game, winning headers and whipping up the crowd wanting more. 7

Riccardo Calafiori – One of the most incredible blocks to prevent Dwight McNeil from scoring from close range. 7

Martin Zubimendi – Much better first half from the Spaniard, from his recent form, getting forward and progressing the ball. But was taken off in the second half as the home side searched for a winner. 6

Declan Rice – Seemed to suffer a foot issue in the opening stages but recovered. Drove his team forward with calm and presence which was very much needed. 7

Eberechi Eze – Frustrated in the first half with some snap-shots and execution in the final third, which was lacking. But in the second half, he became more involved and saw a great curling shot fall just wide. 7

Bukayo Saka – The flag might’ve been up, but the winger had a great chance to give the Gunners the lead. Then he found himself with space on the edge of the box but dragged a shot wide. 7

Kai Havertz – Should have been awarded a penalty after being brought down in the box by Michael Keane. Was replaced in the second half, without making enough of an impact despite some good link-up play. 6

Noni Madueke – Had the first real chance of the game, playing off the left, cutting inside and striking with his right boot to force a save. Was hard done by somewhat to be taken off as it was him looking rather dangerous. 6

Cristhian Mosquera – Came on in the first half to replace the injured Jurrien Timber. Did very well throughout and helped progress the ball. 7

Viktor Gyokeres – Came on to replace Havertz in the second half. The only thing he did was the most important thing, putting the ball in the back of the net. A crucial goal. 7

Gabriel Martinelli – Came on to replace Madueke. Had a fine attempt tipped over the bar by Pickford. 6

Max Dowman – Announced himself to the Premier League properly, with the perfect ball into the box which eventually dropped to the goalscorer. Netted the second late on. What a display from the youngster. 8

Piero Hincapie – Right place, right time to tap the ball across the goalline for Gyokeres to tap in. 8