Man of the Match and Player Grades Poll for Everton vs Arsenal

Everton were hammered 5-2 by Arsenal at home to further throw Ronald Koeman’s future in even darker doubt.

The visitors started off hot, tearing the Everton defence up to shreds with their quick passing and intricate running, and if it weren’t for some last ditch blocks from defenders and Jordan Pickford’s excellent reactions, the Blues could well have conceded half a dozen in the first half alone.

However, Idrissa Gueye slid in and stole the ball from Granit Xhaka in the middle to set up Wayne Rooney, who celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of his first Premier League goal against this opponent on this very ground with a great curling shot into the far post to put Everton ahead.

The Blues then seemed content to sit back and use the counterattack to hold the Gunners at bay. Arsenal continued to get good chances and the pressure eventually told with Nacho Monreal reacting quickest to a Pickford rebound to tie the game minutes before the break.

Tom Davies came on for Ashley Williams at the break, but it was Arsenal who struck next as Mesut Ozil got a great flick on goal from an Alexis Sanchez cross that whizzed by Pickford.

Gueye finally had one foul too many and received his marching orders on the 69th minute, and almost immediately Arsenal extended their lead on a counter attack as Everton pushed forward. 3-1 and game definitely over.

The visitors were the only side really in the game in the second half, and were good value for their fourth too, with Jack Wilshere left wide open to score past a helpless Pickford.

There was time for more too, with Oumar Niasse gifted an easy goal before Alexis Sanchez got the goal he richly deserved to end it 5-2.

Who was your Man of the Match? Vote on the player grades here on how they did.

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