With Arsenal facing a team in Everton that was under even more pressure thazn ourselves after a poor run of results and nervy performances that has left most people wondering how long the Dutchman Ronald Koeman would keep his job as their manager, it was important that we kept up the pressure and kept the home fans quiet.
To be fair to the Gunners we did that right from the start, almost scoring through Ramsey in the 3rd minute. Jordan Pickford just managed to turn the Welshman’s shot around the post and he would go on to make a string of top clkass saves to stop Arsenal scoring a hatful of goals.
Pickford’s next big moment was an even better stop to deny Lacazette at point blank range after a briliant spin and shot by the French striker. It looked like being crucial as well because Everton got the break they so badly needed two minutes later when Xhaka was caught on the ball and Rooney came up with one of his specials to give Cech no chance.
For a short time the pattern of the game changed as Everton were boosted and we were rocked back, with a slip by Petr Cech nearly leading to ma quick second but Arsenal soon started to dominate once more and the stubborn resistance of the home keeper was finally broken when Monreal reacted to smash home the rebound after a long range Xhaka shot five minutes before halftime.
It was pretty much all Arsenal after the break and once we took the lead with a 54th minute glancing header by Ozil, the Gunners never looked like dropping points. Any faint hopes from the Toffees were dealt a further blow when they were reduced to 10 men with a second yellow for Gueye.
Lacazette and then Ramsey completed the misery to make it 4-1 and Jack Wilshere even goit in on the act after coming on, supplying the assist for our fourth goal. The day was slightly spoiled by a stupid error between Monreal and Cech giving away a late consolation before Alexis made it five but a great day for Arsenal in general.
Bob.