Full Time: Everton 2-5 Arsenal
Arsenal came from behind to blaze past a hapless ten-man Everton side, thrashing them 5-2, away at the Goodison Park in the Premier League on Sunday.
The Toffees were off and running as early as the 12th minute, as Wayne Rooney fired in a shot from long distance that ended up in the top corner. With five minutes left for half-time, Nacho Monreal equalised for the Gunners, pouncing on a rebound after Jordan Pickford had parried Granit Xhaka’s effort from outside the box.
Shortly after the break, Arsenal edged ahead, thanks to Mesut Ozil, who headed in Alexis Sanchez’s pinpoint cross from the left flank in the 53rd minute.
With a little over twenty minutes left to play, Everton were reduced to ten men, as Idrissa Gueye received his marching orders for a second yellow card.
The visitors heaped more misery on Ronald Koeman’s men, as Alexandre Lacazette made it three, striking the ball into the top corner, from an Ozil pass. Aaron Ramsey added a fourth in the 90th minute, slotting past Jordan Pickford, after being picked out by Jack Wilshere. Oumar Niasse added a late consolation goal for the home team, before Sanchez added the icing on the cake with the 5th goal.
The result sees Arsenal move to 5th place in the league standings, with 16 points from 9 games.
Here we rate and slate the performance of the Gunners on the day:
Arsenal Player Ratings
Petr Cech – 6/10
Not a lot he could do about Rooney’s strike, but almost gave away a goal under pressure from Dominic Calvert-Lewin. Was partly at fault for Niasse’s goal.
Laurent Koscielny – 7/10
Solid on a comfortable afternoon. Covered well for his partner. Made good use of the ball when in possession. Booked late on.
Per Mertesacker – 6/10
Was poor in the lead up to the opening goal and did not look all that convincing in the first-half. But grew comfortable with time.
Nacho Monreal – 8/10
Reacted quickly to score the leveller in the first-half. Dealt with the threat of Calvert-Lewin strongly. But late mistake led to Everton’s 2nd.
Hector Bellerin – 6.5/10
Got forward well regularly and was a constant outlet for the Gunners. However, the final ball was lacking big time.
Aaron Ramsey – 7.5/10
Missed two very good opportunities after the break. But did manage to find the net late in the game and assisted Sanchez’s goal. His runs from the midfield were a big feature of the Gunners’ gameplay.
Granit Xhaka – 6/10
Gave away possession leading to Rooney’s goal. Much more comfortable after the break. Struck the crossbar late in the game.
Sead Kolasinac – 6.5/10
A decent outing down the left-hand side for the Bosnian. Wasn’t involved a great deal, but did most things right.
Mesut Ozil – 9/10
Grabbed the all-important second goal and then got the assist for Lacazette’s strike. Was at his creative best, creating a number of chances for his teammates. Looked determined and committed.
Alexis Sanchez – 9/10
Sublime pinpoint cross for Ozil’s goal in the second period. Was involved in the counter leading to the third and then got the goal he richly deserved, late in the game.
Alexandre Lacazette – 7/10
Scored his first away goal of the season, with a brilliant finish to make it 3-1. Clinical.
Substitutes
Jack Wilshere – 7/10
On for Lacazette in the 77th minute, to make his first PL appearance of the season. Made a mark, laying off the assist for Ramsey’s goal.
Francis Coquelin – N/A
Replaced Ozil with less than 10 minutes left on the clock.