After a week in which Arsenal’s alleged softness and lack of fortitude were the focus of many debates, the Gunners offered a reminder that when fit and functioning as planned they remain a team which can produce genuine quality.
Despite going a goal down, Arsenal ran out 5-2 winners against Everton at Goodison Park in the Premier League, helped by the dismissal of the home side’s only defensive midfielder, Idrissa Gueye, but also inspired by an impressive attacking trio.
For the first time, Arsene Wenger was able to field German international Mesut Ozil, Chilean forward Alexis Sanchez and French striker Alexandre Lacazette together and the manager must hope he gets the chance to repeat that selection.
“I wish — but I feel the whole team played well,” said Wenger.
“We were tested mentally when we were 1-0 down after a very good start in the game. We couldn’t finish, their keeper kept them in the game and suddenly we were 1-0 down.
“It was a mental test but we kept going, we kept our focus and slowly the quality of our movement, the quality of our passing gave Everton problems. After that, with the offensive strength we have, of course that made the difference,” he said.
Wenger did not shy away from praising the individuals who had been key, with some high praise for Sanchez.
“He was on fire. I believe that he comes back from injury and has worked very hard, Ozil as well. The two of them were sharp physically, very mobile and if you have their individual quality, that makes them dangerous against any defender.”
Arsene Wenger
