Everton slipped down to 10th following Bournemouth’s earlier win, while Arsenal stay in sixth, three points behind north-London rivals Tottenham. It was a dismal display from Everton, meanwhile, and Sam Allardyce must take the blame. His tactics and set-up were inviting pressure from the off, and the game was all-but over by the 20th minute. A brilliant day for Arsenal, who return to winning ways in style – Aaron Ramsey’s hat-trick capping a dominant display from the Gunners.
First take a glance how the teams have shaped up for the big occasion :
Arsenal (4-2-3-1):
Cech; Bellerin, Koscielny, Mustafi, Monreal; Ramsey, Xhaka; Mkhitaryan, Ozil, Iwobi; Aubameyang.
Everton (5-4-1):
Pickford; Kenny, Keane, Williams, Mangala, Martina; Walcott, Schneiderlin, Gueye, Bolasie; Niasse.
Here are the talking points of the match :
1. Arsenal Took The Lead Within Six Minutes Of The Match :
Allardyce’s game plan had already been proved wrong. Everton’s cumbersome defence had not been able to deal with the hosts, and it was Williams and Mangala who were exposed then. Mkhitaryan found space down the right and delivered a low cross, with Ramsey on hand to tuck home. An assist on his debut then for Mkhitaryan, who had just got back to make a brilliant challenge on Mangala and prevented the defender getting free in Arsenal’s box.
2. Koscielny Made It Two For The Gunners :
That was so easy for Arsenal, as Everton’s torrid defence is opened up from a set-piece. Mustafi won the initial header, and Koscielny got the better of Mangala at the back post to head home. Mustafi did well to win the initial header, but that goal was purely down to Everton’s dreadful defending, with Keane, Williams and Mangala all at fault.
3. Ramsey Netted Again For Arsenal :
This was getting humiliating for Everton. Iwobi was allowed to stroll down the left wing, teeing up Ramsey. The Wales midfielder hit it first time, and the ball took a deflection off Mangala. Pickford managed to get there, but could only help it into the net. Kenny had been run ragged so far, and he gave Iwobi far too much room. Allardyce had to look at changing Everton’s system, as they had been outrun and outmatched.
4. Aubameyang Got His Debut Goal :
It got from bad to worse for Everton as Arsenal’s club-record signing lofted a delicate finish over Pickford. However, it should not have counted, as the striker was quite clearly yards offside when Mkhitaryan threaded it through. That was a second assist for Mkhitaryan. His pass was a good one, through the heart of Everton’s defence, but Aubameyang was clearly offside and the officials missed it.
5. Everton Pulled One Back :
It was Calvert-Lewin who had it with what could well be his first touch. Martina lofted in a decent cross, and Cech was unable to get to it. Niasse missed it, but Everton’s youngster was on hand to power home with a header. Martina got the assist, with Everton’s full-back putting in a good cross from the left.
6. Ramsey Got His Hat Trick In The Second Half :
An error from Calvert-Lewin gifted possession to Mkhitaryan, who picked his head up before sliding a great cross into the area, where Ramsey was well-placed to slot home. It’s a hat-trick for Ramsey, and a hat-trick of assists for Mkhitaryan on his debut.
