Final Score: Arsenal 5-1 Everton
Arsenal FC demolished every part of the Everton ranks as they fired on all cylinders to beat Big Sam’s side 5-1. The woes against the top six continue for the Toffees. A hat trick from Aaron Ramsey, and goals from Laurent Koscielny and new superstar Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped the cause. Right from minute one, the Gunners fed the ball to their wider players, the midfield showed its capabilities in possession and killed the game in just 18 minutes.
Their opponents were too slow, sloppy and disastrous. They allowed too much space in midfield, which was a big reason for Ramsey’s riot. Another notable point was the chemistry between former BVB players, Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan, as the latter set it up for the striker. Overall, it was one of the best team performances of the season whereas for Everton, they have won just one out of their last 44 games against the big six away from home, since Feb 2011.
Arsenal Player Ratings
Petr Cech: 7/10
Came off his lines well, but was unfortunate to take a blow. Still waiting for his 200th PL clean sheet.
Hector Bellerin: 7/10
Ran around, spent most of his time in the final third but wasn’t all that convincing with his tackling.
Shkodran Mustafi: 8/10
Two world-class challenges, especially the one to deny Theo Walcott. They would surely go down as one of the blocks of the season. Otherwise, Mustafi was above average.
Laurent Koscielny: 9/10
As solid as ever. He barely puts a foot wrong. The captain got his goal too, which was a fine finish.
Nacho Monreal: 9/10
It’s wonderful to see how Monreal has brought a goal scoring instinct to his game. This game too, he registered three shots on goal. Apart from his shooting, his defending was full of tidiness and discipline.
Granit Xhaka: 7/10
Combined extremely well with Ramsey, was very decisive with his running. However, he needs to be careful with the tackles.
Aaron Ramsey: 10/10
Man of the match performance. He was so collected and clever with his passing. Everytime he picked a pass, he went on to make a smart run into the box. A beautiful display by the Welshman who summed it up with a beautiful hat trick.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan: 10/10
A well drilled cross into the box, a cheeky little through ball to his former team mate and a pull back to Ramsey just shows his awareness, innovation and how amazing he is. A hat trick of assists for the Armenian.
Mesut Özil: 9/10
So calm and creative, the German created over four chances for his teammates and made sure the play revolved around him.
Alex Iwobi: 8/10
Sharp, showed high quality passing and kept hold of the ball nicely. He gelled well with Özil and Mkhitaryan.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang: 9/10
Did exactly what he’s known for – illustrate that sort of calmness in front of goal. His finish was cute and world-class. The Gabon international always put his head up and made the forward run.
Substitutes
Sead Kolasinac: 6/10
Didn’t quite advance forward or look for a run. Otherwise, he had a decent game.
David Ospina: 7/10
Was not disturbed too much apart from one chance. The crosses were dealt with quite professionally. He passed it around well.
Jack Wilshere: 7/10
Calmed the nerves and eased it around. He was in the middle always, asking for the safer pass.