Arsenal bounced back to winning ways, as they dispatched Everton 5-1 at the Emirates in what was a dominant Gunners performance.
Arsenal put away their disappointing result away to Swansea behind them with an empathic performance against Everton at the Emirates. Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang who was initially a doubt for this game, started up front for Arsenal as did Henrikh Mkhitaryan, making his first start.
Aaron Ramsey, starting his second game since returning from injury scored the first ever professional hat-trick of his career. The Welshman was clinical in his performances during the night. Ramsey’s goalscoring exploits were courtesy a complete attacking performance from the Gunners.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who along with Aubameyang was making his first start for Arsenal, notched three assists in the game including setting up the Gabon international’s debut goal. Aubameyang linked up well with his teammates and was also heavily involved in the first goal, while also scoring his first Arsenal goal.
Laurent Koscielny was also on the scoresheet. Arsenal were brilliant from the start and played at their best against Everton. Here’s how Arsenal’s players fared against the Toffees on Saturday.
Petr Cech – 6/10
Did not have much to do in the first half, as Arsenal’s defence held their line and did not allow Everton any significant attacking opportunities towards his goal. For the solitary Everton goal, he could do nothing. The primary concern would be his injury which forced him off the pitch midway through the second half to be replaced by David Ospina.
Hector Bellerin – 7/10
Bellerin defended well on the right side. The Spaniard protected his goal well while also contributing on the other end of the pitch, playing a major role as Arsenal created their opening goal. Ran his way through the Everton defence time and again and provided ample support to Mkhitaryan on the right side of attack.
Shkodran Mustafi – 7/10
Did well in defence. Apart from an early first-minute blip which could have been punished, Mustafi was strong in defence and protected his goal well. Alongside Koscielny, the German stifled any possible Everton attack in both halves, barring the solitary goal the Toffees scored. Also provided the assist for Arsenal’s second goal scored by Koscielny.
Laurent Koscielny – 8/10
The best of the Arsenal defence. Koscielny was a rock at the back, continually stifling any possible Everton attack while also going into challenges that could have resulted in attacking opportunities for the Toffees. Scored Arsenal’s second goal after some good work from Mustafi, to head the ball into the net.
Nacho Monreal – 7/10
Monreal, as his recent form suggests, was important on both ends of the pitch. Monreal often got into the right attacking positions while also being available to stop any burgeoning Everton attacks. Could have scored a goal too, but was denied by the post after heading from a Granit Xhaka corner.
Granit Xhaka – 7.5/10
Xhaka held the midfield together, while being the ticking midfielder who started attacks from the back. Was good with his passing and long balls to either side of attack. Often went back to protect the defence and avoided awkward moments when the opposition attacked.
Aaron Ramsey – 9.5/10
Ramsey simply ran the midfield. The Welshman made some brilliant runs into the box while also tracking back to defend. His hat-trick, the first ever of his professional career, was the biggest story of the night, with the finish for two of his three goals being absolutely impeccable – ones that any striker would be proud of.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan – 9.5/10
Had a brilliant game from the right side. The Armenian got into the thick of the action in attack and provided three assists during the game, including two for Ramsey and one for Aubameyang to open his Arsenal account. Could have scored too, as he unleashed a dangerous shot towards Pickford in the first half.
Alex Iwobi – 8/10
Superb display by the Nigerian. Iwobi ran riot all night and combined well with Mkhitaryan and Ozil to set the tempo of the game. Had a key hand in three, including the assist for Aaron Ramsey’s second. Ran up and down the pitch and with his incisive passing, he looks like a player returning to form.
Mesut Ozil – 9/10
He might not have scored or assisted any of Arsenal’s goals, but Ozil showed his dominance at the heart of Arsenal’s attacking play. The German’s passing was superb and he always found another player with his incisive balls to be the standout midfield creator.
His key passes led to two of Arsenal’s goals. In the first half, Ozil sent Aubameyang through on goal with an inch-perfect pass, an opportunity which the striker missed. This is Ozil at his best, and he is such an asset for Arsene Wenger.
Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang – 8/10
A debut to remember for the Gabon international. Aubameyang was instrumental in the opening goal, and his link-up play with his fellow attackers was top quality. Was set up by Ramsey and Ozil on separate occasions, which he missed, but his shots were on target.
Mkhitaryan, however, provided with the assist that got him his first Gunners goal. The prolific striker is now on the board for his new side, and the times ahead seem to be exciting.
SUBSTITUTES
Sead Kolasinac – 6/10
Looked a little lacking in confidence. Was sent on in place of Monreal to defend the lead. Kolasinac defended decently, but his passing remains a big question mark as he misplaced several of his passes. To get back into the team he needs to improve on that area.
David Ospina – 6/10
Replaced Petr Cech after his injury. Had practically nothing to do after coming on, apart from punching the ball on one occasion.
Jack Wilshere – 6/10
Replaced the hat-trick hero, Aaron Ramsey. Wilshere had been out during the week with an illness. Was sent on mainly to get some minutes and polish his game a bit.
