Jump directly to the content
WIZARD OF OZ

Everton 2 Arsenal 5 – five things we learnt: Mesut Ozil shines at Goodison Park, Granit Xhaka continues to make mistakes and Toffees simply can’t defend

It was a goal-fest in Merseyside, but defeat for Everton surely spells the end of Ronald Koeman's reign in charge of the club

MESUT OZIL shined at Goodison Park as he scores one and sets up another in Arsenal's 5-2 rout against ten-man Everton.

The Gunners fell behind early on against the Toffees after Wayne Rooney opened the scoring, but Arsene Wenger's men rallied and blew away the Merseyside outfit.

 Wayne Rooney netted the opener for Toffees in the 12th minute at Goodison Park
12
Wayne Rooney netted the opener for Toffees in the 12th minute at Goodison ParkCredit: Rex Features
 Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal equalised shortly before the end of the first half for the Gunners
12
Arsenal left-back Nacho Monreal equalised shortly before the end of the first half for the GunnersCredit: EPA

If anything, the scoreline flatters Everton, as Arsenal simply ran riot with Nacho Monreal, Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey and Alexis Sanches getting on the score sheet.

Oumar Niasse netted a late consolation goal deep into injury time, before the Chilean maestro made it 5-2 for Arsenal's first away league win of the season.

Boos rang round the stadium at the full-time whistle, as Ronald Koeman edges closer to facing the sack.

Here are five things we learnt from Goodison Park...

XHAKA CAN'T

It seems to be every week that the Swiss midfielder makes a mistake that contributes to a goal.

Last week against Watford, instead of picking up Tom Cleverley inside the box, he was off picking his nose, and against Everton, he was at fault for Wayne Rooney's opener.

Picking up the ball from Per Mertesacker inside his own half, he was easily dispossessed by Idrissa Gueye, which led to the ex-Manchester United ace scoring from distance.

There is no-one questions Xhaka's passing ability, but his defensive frailties are consistently leading to goals against Arsene Wenger's side.


HAPPY BIRTHDAY, ARSENE Everton 2 Arsenal 5: Ronald Koeman on the brink after ten-man Toffees throw away lead to positive Gunners on Arsene Wenger’s 68th birthday


 Granit Xhaka was tackled by Everton man Idrissa Gueye, leading to Wayne Rooney's opener
12
Granit Xhaka was tackled by Everton man Idrissa Gueye, leading to Wayne Rooney's openerCredit: Getty Images - Getty

DEJA ROO

It was 15 years ago this week that Rooney first announced himself to football fans after netting a 90th minute winner against the Gunners as fresh-faced 16-year-old.

And it took him just 12 minutes to net his 15th Premier League goal against Arsenal - his most against any club in the top-flight.

With his team facing constant pressure from the North London club, Rooney's composure to find the top left corner from distance was nothing short of exceptional.

He continues to be the main threat for Everton - scoring four of their seven league goals this season.

 The 31-year-old beat Petr Cech from distance as hit shot sailed into the top left corner
12
The 31-year-old beat Petr Cech from distance as hit shot sailed into the top left cornerCredit: Reuters
 The ex-Red Devils star celebrates after putting Everton in the lead against Arsene Wenger's side
12
The ex-Red Devils star celebrates after putting Everton in the lead against Arsene Wenger's sideCredit: Rex Features

LAC'S IN FOR ALEX

Alexandre Lacazette finally scored for the FA Cup champions away from the Emirates.

The club-record signing netted for Arsenal in his fifth Premier League away league match - scoring his fifth goal of the season.

Jordan Pickford denied the 26-year-old on numerous times in the first half, as the French international was being foiled on every attempt.

His link up play with Mesut Ozil and Alexis Sanchez was unplayable at times, and he finally got on the score sheet in the 74th minute.

Mesut Ozil led the Arsenal counter-attack, and he found Lacazette from ten yards out, who made no mistake as his first-time finish was too hot for Pickford to handle.

 Jordan Pickford expertly denied former Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette early on at Goodison Park
12
Jordan Pickford expertly denied former Lyon striker Alexandre Lacazette early on at Goodison ParkCredit: Reuters
 The 26-year-old found the back of the net in the first half to put his side 3-1 up
12
The 26-year-old found the back of the net in the first half to put his side 3-1 upCredit: Reuters
 The French international celebrates his first Premier League away goal of the season
12
The French international celebrates his first Premier League away goal of the seasonCredit: Rex Features

WIZARD OF OZ

Mesut Ozil. It just had to be him. With reports linking him with a switch to Manchester United this week, the German playmaker showed he is still very much fighting for the Arsenal cause.

The 29-year-old netted his third goal against Everton in his career early on in the second half.

Racing onto an Alexis Sanchez cross, Ozil bravely beat his man to steer his header past Pickford as it nestled into the roof of the net.

His link-up play was a joy to behold, and Arsenal fans will be hoping for consistent performances from their former record signing.

 Mesut Ozils header put Arsenal 2-1 up early in the second half, after he got on the end of an Alexis Sanchez cross
12
Mesut Ozils header put Arsenal 2-1 up early in the second half, after he got on the end of an Alexis Sanchez crossCredit: PA:Press Association
 The German star celebrates his goal as his effort proved to be too hot for Jordan Pickford to handle
12
The German star celebrates his goal as his effort proved to be too hot for Jordan Pickford to handleCredit: Reuters

TOF LUCK

Everton's defeat against Arsenal surely spells the end of Ronald Koeman's time in charge.

His side somehow failed to concede in the opening ten minutes, and got lucky when Rooney swept past Petr Cech.

Their shambolic defending never improved, with Arsenal's slick interchanges proving to be too much for the Toffees.

They couldn't handle the counter-attacks and left gaping holes across their back-line.

Eight points from nine games in simply not good enough, and with five defeats already in the league this season, they desperately need to start winning if they don't want to become embroiled in a relegation battle.

Everton sit in the bottom three of the table.

 Everton boss Ronald Koeman could be facing the sack after his side lost at home to Arsenal
12
Everton boss Ronald Koeman could be facing the sack after his side lost at home to ArsenalCredit: EPA
 The Dutch manager is fighting for his job as Everton lose their fifth top-flight match of the campaign
12
The Dutch manager is fighting for his job as Everton lose their fifth top-flight match of the campaignCredit: Getty - Contributor
Topics