The Mirror, UK
Feb 3 2018
Arsenal vs Everton player ratings as Aaron Ramsey nets a hat-trick – but Henrikh Mkhitaryan gets trio of his own
Despite a debut for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang it was his Armenian partner-in-crime who took the plaudits with a stunning display
Two new faces, five goals and one hat-trick – the all-new Arsenal show is on the road.
Despite debuts for Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan – it was Aaron Ramsey who did the damage with an amazing hat-trick.
Mkhitaryan provided three assists while partner in crime Aubameyang also scored with an exquisite finish – although it looked decidedly off side
Laurent Koscielny was also on target to make it 4-0 at half time and ruined Theo Walcott's, before the winger's replacement, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, got one back for Sam Allardyce's men.
But despite a Welshman stealing the show, for many Arsenal fans it was all about the new boys – and how they instantly linked up.
Here's how they rated…
Cech (sub Ospina 7 71 mins, 7)
Was beaten by Calvert-Lewi's header shortly after picking up an injury and will wonder when that clean sheet record will come 7
Bellerin
Excellent down the right. The Spaniard was a constant threat for the Gunners with his speed 7
Mustafi
Was pulled around a little by the Everton frontline, but put his body where it mattered to keep the score down 7
Koscielny
Scored the second but was troubled by the pace of former Gunner Theo Walcott throughout the match 7
Monreal (sub Kolsainac 46, 7)
Hit the bar which would have made it two goals in two games. Looked to be struggling and was taken off at half time 7
Xhaka
Did his defensive duties well and got back to cover when he needed to in a central midfield role. Went some way to making up for Swansea 6
Ramsey ( sub Wilshere 6 75 mins)
Doing what he does best, popping up with vital goals and using the space in between Everton's midfield and defence well 8 (
Mkhitaryan
A stunning display of creativity and imagination. Elusive, gifted and is blessed with a supreme touch. Arsenal have one terrific asset. 9
Ozil
Signed a new deal and was all over the pitch in the first half. Got an assist, even though he faded a little in the second period 7
Iwobi
Effective display from the winger which was the shot in the arm he needed. A constant threat down the left whoever he played with 7
Aubameyang
Okay, his first Gunenrs goal may have been offside, but What. A. Finish. A glimpse of what is to come from the Gabon striker 7
Subs: Lacazette, Chambers, Maitland-Niles, Elneny
Pickford
You could only feel sorry for the Everton keeper as the home side carved open the defence in front of him at will 5
Kenny
Kenny's recall showed just how much the Kirkdale-born homegrown hero still has to learn and he remains very much the apprentice to the master Seamus Coleman 5
Mangala
Everton switched to a centre-back trio to accommodate their new loan signing but like his colleagues at the back he was woefully slow to react to the speed of thought of Arsenal 3
Williams
Recalled and handed the captain's armband, he looked off the pace and couldn't get near the home side's dangermen 3
Keane (sub Davies 46 mins 6)
Looked like a defensive colossus for long periods against Leicester but was more statue than statuesque here and was withdrawn at the interval. 5
Martina
It was scant consolation among this horror show but in by far his best impression of Leighton Baines to date 5
Gueye
Snapping at the heels of his opponent, he was more a Chihuahua than guard dog as Arsenal just ignored him and carried on with their onslaught 5
Schneiderlin
The Frenchman is supposed to be Everton's defensive shield while also providing a link to the attack but instead he was often just found jogging around 4
Bolasie
A tricky customer on his day, this was not the kind of occasion that his silky skills could blossom in as Everton's players found themselves constantly running backwards 4
Walcott (Calvert-Lewin 61 mins, 6)
Former Gunner endured a miserable return to the Emirates. He suffered the humiliation of having his name chanted ironically by the home fans after fluffing a chance to score 5
Niasse (sub Tosun 78 mins 6)
A thankless task leading the line on a night in which Everton were run ragged he put himself about and hit the post with one effort when the game was already very much lost 5
Subs: Rooney, Sigurdsson, Holgate, Robles
Referee: Neil Swarbrick 7