Arsenal 4-0 Everton: Gunners open up five-point gap at top of the Premier League after hammering sorry Toffees
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ByEurosport
Updated 02/03/2023 at 08:49 GMT
Arsenal are now five points clear at the top of the Premier League following a comprehensive 4-0 win over relegation-threatened Everton at the Emirates. Bukayo Saka opened the scoring before Gabriel Martinelli added a second before the break. Martin Odegaard added a third after the break before Martinelli scored his second.
'We needed a magic moment' - Arteta reacts after Arsenal thrash Everton 4-0
Gabriel Martinelli scored twice as Arsenal thrashed a troubled Everton 4-0 at The Emirates to move five points clear of Manchester City at the top of the Premier League table.
Bukayo Saka broke the deadlock five minutes before half-time with his 10th goal of the season before Martinelli added a second in stoppage-time. Martin Odegaard made it three after the restart and Martinelli completed the rout, as the Gunners turned on the style in front of their jubilant supporters.
The convincing win gives Mikel Arteta’s side some breathing space as they chase down a first league title since 2003/04.
Arsenal had been largely frustrated by Sean Dyche’s charges in the first half; despite dominating possession, they had managed just one shot with 40 minutes on the clock. But then, an almighty outpour of relief - Oleksandr Zinchenko slipped a cute pass into the feet of Saka and after a couple of nice touches he buried it past Jordan Pickford from a tight angle.
Martinelli had the ball in the back of the net once more before half-time after Saka robbed Idrissa Gueye, but the home side’s joy was short-lived as the offside flag was immediately raised. However, following a quick VAR check, the goal was given, and Arsenal had a healthy lead at the break.
Chances were at a premium after the restart, but again Arsenal showed they had the clinical touch as Odegaard made it 3-0, finishing with aplomb from Leandro Trossard’s cross, before substitute Eddie Nketiah laid on Martinelli to wrap up the scoring.
The victory means, with 13 games left, Arsenal have 60 points, five more than second-placed Man City with the same number of matches played. Everton, meanwhile, remain in the bottom three having played a game more than their rivals.
Talking point – Arsenal make game in hand count
For so long, Arsenal have had the psychological advantage of having a game in hand over Man City. But these types of matches aren’t always straightforward, particularly when a team managed by Sean Dyche stands in your way. After all, this is a side that inflicted just a second loss of the season on Arsenal just a month ago.
And for 40 minutes of the first half, Everton’s gameplan appeared to be working to a tee once more: sit back in great numbers, frustrate and play on the counter-attack. The Arsenal fans were getting edgy and there were a couple of indicators that the pressure was getting to the players. But once the breakthrough was made, the result was never in doubt and the floodgates opened.
It’s another test passed with flying colours and an important one at that, albeit there is still a long way to go in this Premier League campaign.
Player of the match - Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal)
The Brazilian added two more to his tally for the season following a ruthless display in front of goal.
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Gabriel Martinelli scores Arsenal's 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal FC and Everton FC at Emirates Stadium on March 01, 2023 in London, England. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Image credit: Getty Images
Player ratings
Arsenal: Ramsdale 6, White 6, Saliba 6, Gabriel 6, Zinchenko 7, Odegaard 8, Jorginho 6, Xhaka 7, Saka 8, Trossard 8, Martinelli 9*.. subs: Tierney N/A, Partey 7, Smith Rowe N/A, Nketiah 6, Vieira 5.
Everton: Pickford 5, Coleman 5, Keane 5, Tarkowski 5, Mykolenko 6, Gueye 4, Iwobi 5, Doucoure 5, Onana 5, McNeil 5, Maupay 5. Subs: Holgate 5, Gray 5, Godfrey 5, Davies N/A.
Match highlights
40’ - GOAL! ARSENAL 1-0 EVERTON (BUKAYO SAKA): It's another beauty from Saka - and how important could this goal prove to be for Arsenal? They have struggled to get behind Everton's deep defence tonight but a moment of quality from Zinchenko releases Saka, and another a couple of nice touches he buries it past Pickford from a tight angle.
45’ - GOAL! ARSENAL 2-0 EVERTON (GABRIEL MARTINELLI): Gueye is caught in possession by Saka which allows Martinelli to run through and stick the ball in the back of the net. But the offside flag goes up immediately. It's close, and it's going to VAR... And the goal is GIVEN! Wow!
71’ - GOAL! ARSENAL 3-0 EVERTON (MARTIN ODEGAARD): That will do it! Arsenal are winning their game in hand with some style! Martinelli switches it to Trossard on the left and he pulls the ball back for Odegaard, who finishes with aplomb.
80’ - GOAL! ARSENAL 4-0 EVERTON (GABRIEL MARTINELLI): Martinelli has a double! Nketiah unselfishly pulls it back for the Brazilian to walk the ball into the net. A statement win!
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