Do you like goals? Because Arsenal hosted Everton at the Emirates and threw down the hammer hard on the Toffees. Highlights, [over]reactions, and analysis from a memorable night in North London.

Prior to the Match

What a week it was for Arsenal. A roller coaster of a week went from a terrible loss to Swansea to signing Aubameyang and Ozil signing a new contract with the Arsenal. There were rumors that Aubameyang wouldn’t be fit for the match today against Everton due to illness, but luckily the lad took his NyQuil and was able to be included in the squad.

A team that featured both Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan making their first starts and home debuts looked relatively strong coming out against Everton. Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan reunite after their spells at Dortmund where the two were as lethal as can be at the top.

In other team news: Wilshere was on the bench, but worth noting he was ill this week as well. Xhaka is still getting the nod after having a forgettable night on Tuesday at the Liberty Stadium. Petr Cech is still trying to find that elusive 200th clean sheet as well, which has been tricky these past few games.

Theo Walcott returns to the Emirates after his transfer to Everton in January, following a brace he scored mid-week. Mangala also got the nod today after completing his loan move to Everton from City this week.

1st Half

Arsenal started hot and got hotter. On the stroke of 6 minutes, Ozil sends a great ball to Aubameyang, who sends the ball to the side of the box to Mkhi. The Armenian picked his head up and delivered a low cross to Ramsey who was ready for a tap-in from about 7 yards away. The Dortmund connection was reunited in style less than 10 minutes into the game. Mangala could have done better to clear it, but just look at that pass from Aubameyang though...

Cue the banter:

Then 6 minutes later, the captain made his mark. A great ball in from Mesut Ozil to Mustafi was headed on across the mouth of the goal. German - German - French connection made it 2-0 at the 14 minute mark. Koscielny did jump right in front of Aubameyang to take the goal, but he would make his impact later in the half (see below).

The third goal for Arsenal was the second for Ramsey. Iwobi finds the Welsh international and a deflection helps put the ball past Pickford. 18 minutes in and Arsenal were running rampant.

Surprise defensive highlight! Mustafi made an amazing block worthy of the highlight reel, and this writer thought he was the unsung hero of the first half. He was passing well, defending brilliantly, and always in a position to keep his team’s lead safely. After a couple bad games from Mustafi, he bounced back well today. Look at this denial on Walcott.

Then came the cherry on top of this 1st half. In his first appearance in an Arsenal jersey, Aubameyang got a through ball from Mkhitaryan and chipped the keeper effectively ending any hopes of a game Everton wanted to continue playing. It was reminiscent of their time in Germany together for the second time in a half. Yes, there was a clear offside but Arsenal have been on both ends of that decision this season. It was an important goal to get the confidence up of the new #9. 4-0 in the 40th minute.

The first half ended with Arsenal absolutely cruising, with Ramsey and the two January signings pulling all the strings early. It was about holding the lead at this point.

2nd Half

The second half started on a sour note. Nacho Monreal gave way to Sead Kolasinac after he picked up a knock on the half time whistle. It looked to be preventative rather than anything, hopefully we will see the Spaniard this weekend against Spurs.

Everton came out on the front foot in the second half, and Arsenal spent most of the first 20 minutes in their own half. Petr Cech’s journey for the clean sheet ended when substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin headed home a cross from Martina in the 64th minute to bring the score to 4-1.

Then same story, different player. Petr Cech told the sideline he couldn’t go on after giving up the goal, and Ospina was substituted in. Even when Arsenal cruise to a big victory, it doesn’t come without injury.

Arsenal were not ready to roll over though, and Mkhitaryan’s third assist made for Ramsey’s third goal. It was a powerful, carpet-ball cross from Mkhi and Ramsey had another easy finish for a fifth goal. Both players were the men of the match, that was easy to see.

Cue the banter, continued:

Ramsey is the 20th Arsenal player to score a hat-trick in the Premier League.

Jack Wilshere came on right after Ramsey finished his hat-trick, and was in the action in the last 12 minutes as Arsenal saw out the game. Statistics at the final whistle via WhoScored.com:

Next up is Spurs away, at 4:30 AM next Saturday. Arsenal need to play with the same intensity we saw today if we are to take all 3 points. But for now, let us all enjoy what we just saw.

#COYG