Mesut Özil turns in his best performance of the season as Arsenal rout Everton to put Toffees in relegation zone
Player ratings: Arsenal fire five goals past Everton, whose two-goal response came through a Wayne Rooney cracker and Oumar Niasse consolation
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal moved level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea after recording an emphatic 5-2 victory over Everton, who have now won just two of their last 13 matches to put Ronald Koeman under real pressure of being sacked.
On manager Arsene Wenger's 68th birthday, Arsenal were looking to bounce back from last weekend's defeat by Watford, but despite making a bright start they were undone by a moment of Wayne Rooney magic.
The former England captain received the ball after Granit Xhaka was dispossessed, and after feigning a shot to Petr Cech's left, he curled and effort to the right and into the net - 15 years and three days after he did exactly the same for his first league goal against the same opposition.
Arsenal fought their way back into the game though, with goals from Nacho Monreal and Mesut Özil turning the tables on the home side, and when midfielder Idrissa Gueye was sent-off for a second booking, the floodgates opened.
Alexandre Lacazette struck Arsenal's third that was quickly followed by Aaron Ramsey netting a fourth goal, though Arsenal were not completely home and dry after a mix-up between Cech and Monreal allowed substitute Oumar Niasse to grab a second for Everton.
But Alexis Sanchez would have the final say deep into injury-time as he struck home a fifth that raises serious questions about future at Goodison Park.
How did the players perform? Click on the gallery above to see our ratings.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments