It was also a good night at the Emirates for Mkhitaryan’s fellow new boy Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, who opened his account for Arsenal, hat-trick scorer Aaron Ramsey and Mesut Ozil, who has just committed his future to the Gunners.
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ARSENAL MADE their intentions clear – to fight for a Champions League place after an impressive 5-1 win against Everton at The Emirates on February 3.
While Ramsey will get the plaudits for his three goals, striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and attacking midfielder Henrikh Mkhitaryan both made good contributions on their debut. “He was involved in the link-up play as well, so we’re definitely happy to have him and we can’t wait to see what he brings to the team”, Super Eagles star Iwobi added. I can say is that it was a convincing debut that shows that he has the level to play with us.
Arsenal gave their fans plenty of reasons for optimism after the terrible loss against Swansea, with the signing of Aubameyang followed by the announcement Mesut Ozil had signed a new contract.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin came off the bench for Theo Walcott on the hour mark and immediately pulled a goal back, but Ramsey killed off any hopes of a comeback to complete his hat-trick on 74 minutes.
“In the first half we were quick, mobile, technically very sharp and we finished very well as well”, he said.
“I am not responsible for Manchester United’s decision [to swap Mkhitaryan for Sanchez]”.
Even embattled Arsenal boss Wenger seemed happy, after seeing his two new signings rekindle the prolific partnership from their Borussia Dortmund days.
“He didn’t do it until now because I think he rushed, sometimes, with his finishing”.
Everton were all at sea in a first half in which they conceded four goals in the first 37 minutes – and manager Sam Allardyce described his team’s performance as “pathetic”. You saw the assists and how he comes inside and links up play.
Mkhitaryan moved to Arsenal as part of the swap deal that saw Chile global Alexis Sanchez move to Old Trafford earlier this month.
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Aubameyang did finish a few minutes later, cutely chipping over the goalkeeper from Mkhitaryan’s pass, although he was a few yards offside. At Dortmund, he was the creative fulcrum and in Arsenal’s current team, he can play a similar role.
