%20rotate(-8.06)%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22336.19%20136.81%20330.16%2094.25%20326.06%2071.19%20326.44%2071.13%20335.22%2093.54%20352.29%20134.52%20373.95%20131.46%20362.7%2052.01%20350.02%2053.8%20356.05%2096.36%20360.15%20119.42%20359.77%20119.48%20350.99%2097.08%20333.91%2056.09%20312.25%2059.15%20323.51%20138.6%20336.19%20136.81%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22402.91%2059.3%20412.36%20126.02%20427.17%20123.92%20417.72%2057.21%20431.59%2055.24%20429.79%2042.51%20387.23%2048.53%20389.04%2061.27%20402.91%2059.3%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22463.51%20118.77%20458.69%2084.71%20474.68%2082.44%20479.51%20116.5%20494.36%20114.4%20483.11%2034.95%20468.26%2037.06%20472.96%2070.25%20456.96%2072.52%20452.26%2039.32%20437.4%2041.43%20448.65%20120.88%20463.51%20118.77%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22540.5%20107.87%20538.77%2095.68%20518.91%2098.49%20515.77%2076.29%20535.63%2073.47%20533.93%2061.5%20514.07%2064.32%20511.11%2043.42%20530.98%2040.61%20529.25%2028.42%20494.53%2033.34%20505.78%20112.78%20540.5%20107.87%22%2F%3E%0A%20%20%3Cpolygon%20class%3D%22cls-1%22%20points%3D%22299.03%20155.17%20301.29%20171.58%20542.78%20138.39%20540.5%20121.97%20299.03%20155.17%22%2F%3E%0A%3C%2Fsvg%3E)
Arsenal ended their Premier League campaign on a high with a 5-1 thumping of Everton.
Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Gabriel, Cedric and Martin Odegaard capped off the rout. While Champions League qualification wasn’t reached, the home fans were treated to a superb afternoon of football.
Needing a win and an unlikely Norwich victory over Tottenham, Arsenal started on fire, dominating possession, and pinning Everton back.
With 25 minutes gone, Arsenal was given a penalty after former Gunner Alex Iwobi was adjudged to have handled the ball after a Gabriel Martinelli shot. Following VAR intervention, the Brazilian stepped up and lashed home his spot-kick.
💪 Highlights are here, Gunners!
— Arsenal (@Arsenal) May 22, 2022
📺 Watch the best of today's action here 👇
Arsenal doubled their lead just minutes later as Bukayo Saka’s corner was flicked on at the front post for Eddie Nketiah to head home from close range.
Donny van de Beek pulled one back for the relaxed visitors before half-time, but the Gunners would go on to assert their dominance again in the second half. Cedric Soares scored wonderfully to restore the hosts’ two-goal advantage before Gabriel and the excellent Martin Odegaard completed a resounding victory for Arsenal.
Unfortunately, though, Spurs’ 5-0 thumping of Norwich means it’ll be Europa League football for Mikel Arteta’s side next season, but at least they were able to put on a show on Sunday afternoon to end their season on a high.
Here are the Arsenal player ratings from the 5-1 win.
Goalkeepers & Defenders
Aaron Ramsdale (GK) – 6/10 – Barely had much to do all afternoon aside from picking the ball out of the net just before half-time. When he was called into action, he dealt with any attack and commanded his box well.
Cedric Soares (RB) – 6/10 – Another solid outing from the Portuguese right-back. Good defensively as he tracked runs but did not have a lot to do. Took his goal superbly well to cap off a good afternoon.
Gabriel (CB) – 6/10 – Marshalled Dominic Calvert-Lewin well for the majority of the game in an assured display. Took his chance well in the forward half to end his season on a high.
Rob Holding (CB) – 6/10 – Much like Gabriel, Holding was solid without being spectacular. Calm and assured in possession and dealt well with anything Everton had to throw at him, which wasn’t much.
Nuno Tavares (LB) – 4/10 – The left-back showed today why he causes so much frustration. So good at getting forward but lacked the final ball and defensively, several misplaced passes allowed Everton to put his back four under pressure.
Midfielders
Granit Xhaka (CM) – 6/10 – The Swiss international was rather good in the first half, constantly moving his side forward and putting balls into the box. Sprayed the ball around at will as Arsenal was dominant in the first 45. Subbed with half an hour to go.
Mohamed Elneny (CM) – 6/10 – The Egyptian was his usual unassuming self. Kept things neat and tidy and always made sure to keep his team going forward. Second half was a cakewalk as his side dominated proceedings.
Martin Odegaard (AM) – 10/10 – Simply majestic from Odegaard today. Pulled the strings with aplomb and tore Everton apart. His silky skills and quick feet meant no player could get close to him. His goal was a thing of beauty. Future captain in waiting. Incredible performance.
Forwards
Bukayo Saka (RW) – 7/10 – Another impressive performance from Arsenal’s starboy. A constant threat down his flank and got himself an assist as he laid the ball perfectly for Cedric. A superb season for the Englishman.
Eddie Nketiah (ST) – 7/10 – The young Englishman took his goal well and his trademark channel-running ensured he was a nuisance throughout. His workrate can never be questioned as he produced yet another solid outing. Possibly the last time we see him in an Arsenal shirt.
Gabriel Martinelli (LW) – 7/10 – His usual energetic self. Constantly a threat down his flank and pushed the Everton defenders back with his pressure on the ball. Took his penalty really well to set Arsenal on their way. Never stopped trying.
Substitutes
Albert Sambi Lokonga – 5/10 – The young midfielder was assured in possession and constantly found his way into the attacking third. Did his bit when he came on and kept the side ticking over nicely.
Alexandre Lacazette – 5/10 – Perhaps the last time we see Lacazette in an Arsenal shirt. Found himself in great positions to score numerous times but couldn’t get the desired result.
Nicolas Pepe – 4/10 – The Ivorian came on for the last 12 minutes and looked lively and went close to scoring with a curling effort. Like Lacazette, it could be the last time we see him at the Emirates.