Arsene Wenger heaped praise on Mesut Ozil, after the German playmaker’s outstanding return to the Arsenal starting XI.
The World Cup winner started for the first time with both Alexandre Lacazette and Alexis Sanchez, and produced a mesmeric display as the Gunners ran riot at Goodison Park.
Ozil created more chances in the 5-2 win than any other player has managed in a Premier League game this season - while also scoring Arsenal’s crucial go-ahead goal when the scores were level.
The 28-year-old’s future at the Emirates remains in doubt, with his contract set to expire next summer.
But Wenger has maintained that provided Ozil remains committed he will continue to be picked, and was delighted to see him at something like his best on Merseyside.
"He was superb. Agile, quick, intelligent - always at the service of the team with the quality of his passing,” declared Wenger post-game.
"When he is at that level he is an exceptional football player.”
The Arsenal boss had earlier revealed to Sky Sports that Ozil has been working hard to get back to full fitness after his recent knee injury.
"I told him after the game that a fit Ozil is completely different," said Wenger.
"If you’re not 100 percent at your best, no matter how good you are, you are at a handicap.
"The difference is that he has worked extremely hard physically.
"When he’s in that shape physically, nobody can question his class or the quality of his game.”
Regarding Ozil and Sanchez working together in unison once more, Wenger added: "He [Sanchez] was on fire.
"I believe he has now come back from injury, he has worked very hard. Ozil as well.
"The two of them were sharp physically and very mobile. If you have that individual quality it makes them dangers against any defender."
