Arsenal’s title surge resumed in emphatic fashion as they recorded a commanding 4-0 victory over relegation-threatened Everton at the Emirates.
Gabriel Martinelli scored twice, while Bukayo Saka and Martin Odegaard also got on the scoresheet as Arsenal moved five points clear at the top of the Premier League table.
Arsenal also became the first side in English league history to record 100 league wins against a single opponent (Everton).
It was a dominant display by the Gunners who kept their title challenge on track.
12 – Arsenal have scored 4+ goals in a match against Everton for the 12th time in the Premier League, more than any side has done against another in the competition's history. Flattened. pic.twitter.com/mDrCcaJF40
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2023
Arsenal started the game brightly, with Martinelli and Trossard causing problems for the Everton defence. However, the Toffees worked hard and managed to hold out for the opening 40 minutes.
In the 40th minute, however, Oleksandr Zinchenko demonstrated wonderful awareness to spot Saka’s run and provided a precise through-ball for him to subsequently finish with a rocket into the top corner of Jordan Pickford’s net.
The Gunners had the breakthrough, and Saka had scored his 10th goal of the season.
Arsenal doubled their lead in stoppage time of the first half after Saka demonstrated wonderful determination to win the ball back for his side. His persistence paid off as he robbed Idrissa Gueye of possession, enabling Martinelli to race away and finish.
The decision went to VAR, but Martinelli was onside and the goal stood.
10 + 10 – Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli have both scored their 10th league goals of the season tonight; @Arsenal are the only team with two players who have reached double figures in the Premier League this campaign. Playground. pic.twitter.com/8DZSjWNMa7
— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) March 1, 2023
The second half saw Arsenal take control of the game, with Partey putting Nketiah through who came close to scoring.
In the 71st minute, Trossard raced into the area and picked out Odegaard who applied a brilliant first-time finish.
Arsenal weren’t done yet.
In the 80th minute, Nketiah peeled away from the Everton defence before squaring for Martinelli to finish. It was a beautiful goal, and Arsenal’s dominance was reflected in the scoreline.
Everton struggled to create clear-cut chances throughout the game. However, they had a couple of opportunities late on, but Ramsdale was equal to the task. It was his 11th cleansheet of the season, taking him clear in second place on the Golden Glove table, one behind Newcastle’s Nick Pope.
The win moves Arsenal five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, while Everton remain in the relegation zone.
Arsenal’s title hopes are very much alive, and they will be looking to continue their impressive form when they welcome Bournemouth to the Emirates on Saturday.
What did Bukayo Saka say after the game?
“I’m really happy. We went there a few weeks ago and we lost, so we knew going into the game how difficult it would be. To score four goals and play like that, we can be so proud of ourselves.
“I think [his goal] was my first chance of the game. It was the breakthrough. After setting I just had to focus on my touches, turning my body and myself, [going on] my right foot and finishing. I looked up and it was in the net, so I was happy.
“I’m happy [to hit double figures], it’s something I always set myself to try and improve. I’m hungry to achieve more.”
What did Mikel Arteta say after the game?
Arteta expressed his delight at his team’s performance in their 4-0 win against Everton. He praised the team’s resilience and mental strength, and commended Bukayo Saka and Gabriel Martinelli for their double-digit goal-scoring exploits this season.
Arteta also spoke about the importance of players such as Oleksandr Zinchenko, who bring something different to the team, and discussed the chemistry between Martinelli and Trossard.
When asked if Arsenal are now favourites to win the league, Arteta refused to make any predictions, but stressed the importance of staying focused and preparing well for each game.
“I’m really happy,” Arteta said.
“It was a game that we had in hand against an opponent that we knew was going to make life really difficult for us and we expected that at Goodison.
“We started the game with some frustration and not really understanding what we had to do, allowing them to run in certain transitions, but after 25 minutes I think we start to get much better and the timing of the two goals was key.
“We needed a magic moment there and Alex and Bukayo produced that, and then I think the team grew, especially with Thomas because Jorginho wasn’t feeling good today.
“When he came on he really gave us some presence and stability to the team and I think the second half was superb. ”
What did Ben White say after the game?
“It’s a nice feeling, we played them a couple of weeks ago and didn’t get the result we wanted, so today it was nice to put four past them,” White told Norwegian station Viaplay.
“Every game we want to win. Unfortunately, we didn’t against them away so it was a nice feeling to do it today.
“It was always going to be a tough game, they sit deep and double-up on our wingers, so it was going to take a magic moment to score a goal. Once we done that, it was our game.”