Arsenal have had issues at Goodison Park in the recent past but despite going a goal behind there on Sunday afternoon, the Gunners comfortably defeated Everton 5-2 to earn a valuable three points.
Wayne Rooney put the Blues ahead with a brilliant 20-yard curling effort but Arsenal never let their heads drop and Nacho Monreal converted a rebound to get them level at the break.
Mesut Ozil put the Gunners ahead before Idrissa Gueye was sent off for a second booking. Arsenal took full advantage of the extra man as Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey extended the lead to 4-1.
Everton got a second after sloppy play by Petr Cech but Arsenal had the last laugh with a wonderful Alexis Sanchez goal.
Here’s how we rated the Gunners in the game:
Petr Cech - 5
Not a lot to do and couldn’t do much to stop Wayne Rooney’s goal. He did get caught taking too long with the ball by Oumar Niasse who scored a consolation for Everton.
Laurent Koscielny - 7
Looked comfortable all game, one of his better performances in recent weeks.
Per Mertesacker - 6
Should have closed Rooney down before the Everton man scored. Other than that, he looked solid.
Nacho Monreal - 7
An excellent performance only marred by his part in Everton’s late goal. Took his own goal really well.
Hector Bellerin - 6
Got forward a lot and provided good width but his final ball let him down too often.
Granit Xhaka - 6
Wasn’t great in the build-up to Everton’s opener as he got caught on the ball. Improved in the second half but needs to stop having these lapses in concentration.
Aaron Ramsey - 7
Got forward with regualrity and deservedly got himself a late goal.
Sead Kolasinac - 6
Similar to Belleri in that he provided good width but he did not make a particularly big impression attacking-wise.
Alexis Sanchez - 8
Put in a perfect cross for the Ozil to head home. Scored a wonderful goal late on to
Mesut Ozil - 9
Performances like this remind us how good Ozil can be. Everton didn’t get near him as he created chance after chance. Got himself a goal too.
Alexandre Lacazette - 8
Got his first away goal for Arsenal. Could have had more if not for Jordan Pickford.