Arsenal 5-1 Everton: Gunners turn on the style too late and miss out on Champions League football

Arsenal wrapped up their 2021-22 campaign with a dominant performance as they beat Everton 5-1 at The Emirates.

With Tottenham’s win over Norwich inevitable, Arsenal played with flair and finesse their fans would have hoped to see in their previous two outings against Spurs and Newcastle.

The hosts dictated proceedings from the first whistle, had Everton on the back foot, and were unlucky not to lead early on.

Cédric Soares had his outside-the-box effort blocked, while Eddie Nketiah should have done better with his effort that went high and wide.

Everton did threaten but couldn’t take the lead against the run of play.

Their first opportunity came the way of  Demarai Gray, but his effort was well handled by Aaron Ramsdale.

Just after 20 minutes, Arsenal got the breakthrough thanks to former Gunner Alex Iwobi, who gave his old side a helping hand literally after he handled the ball in the penalty area.

After a VAR check Arsenal were awarded the penalty.

Gabriel Martinelli stepped up and converted to put Arsenal ahead.

Martinelli was the provider for Arsenal’s second just after half an hour, when his headed pass found Nketiah who slotted home to give the Gunners breathing space.

After a period of end-to-end action, it was Everton who would get the third goal of the game.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin picked out Donny van de Beek who was left unmarked, and the Dutchman tucked away from close range as Arsenal led by a goal at the break.

Arsenal would restore their two-goal advantage early on in the second-half.

Cédric Soares found the net following an Arsenal corner, before he got himself an assist when he played in Gabriel Magalhães who fired home for Arsenal’s fourth just before the hour mark.

Frank Lampard would have been annoyed with Everton’s display.

The Toffees looked like they were already poolside on holiday and didn’t have any notable chances to get back into the game.

Arsenal would go on to dominate proceedings, and after a few golden chances had a fifth when Martin Ødegaard’s shot nestled in the bottom left corner to cap off an excellent performance.

Arsenal: Aaron Ramsdale; Gabriel Magalhães, Bukayo Saka (Nicolas Pépé 78’), Martin Ødegaard ©, Rob Holding, Cédric Soares, Nuno Tavares, Mohamed Elneny, Eddie Nketiah (Lacazette 67’), Granit Xhaka (Albert Sambi Lokonga 63’), Gabriel Martinelli

Arsenal scorers: Martinelli (27’ pen), Nketiah (31’), Cédric Soares (56’), Gabriel (59’), Ødegaard (82’)

Everton: Asmir Begovic ©; Jonjoe Kenny, Mason Holgate, Michael Keane, Dominic Calvert-Lewin, Demarai Gray, Abdoulaye Doucouré (van de Beek 37’), Alex Iwobi, Tom Davies (Isaac Price 77’), Jarrad Branthwaite, Dele Alli (Anthony Gordon 67’)

Everton scorers: Donny van de Beek (45’+3)

Yellow cards: Tom Davies (69’)

Referee: Andre Marriner

Attendance: 60,201