Everton have their hopes of Champions League football firmly in their own hands with an impressive 3-0 thrashing of Arsenal at Goodison.
A superb attacking display saw Steven Naismith put the Blues ahead on 14 minutes after Romelu Lukaku’s shot was saved.
Lukaku was then on hand to double the Toffees’ lead before the break before Kevin Mirallas forced an own goal from former Blue Mikel Arteta to seal the comprehensive win and add a further boost to filling their manager’s pre-season Champions League promise.
The three points lifts the Goodison Park side one point behind the Gunners with a game in hand, putting their once-remote top four hopes in their own hands, although home games against both Manchester clubs are still to come for Roberto Martinez’s side.
The Blues’ first came after Leighton Baines’ put Lukaku in space, the Belgian’s shot being stopped by Szczesny, only for Naismith to tuck the ball home from the rebound.
The hosts remained in control and efforts from Mirallas and Ross Barkley followed.
And the dominance showed as the lead became 2-0 after Lukaku’s irresistable strike after a barnstorming break into the Gunners’ box.
Arsenal, who had failed to win in their previous three matches including the 6-0 hammering by Chelsea, applied some pressure after the restart, Nacho Monreal shooting across the face of goal.
However, Blue dominance was reassured by a telling contribution from Mirallas. The Belgian dispossessed Sagna, and after Naismith’s subsequent effort was saved, pressurised Arteta into an own goal.
Arsenal may have the ‘easier’ run-in but Martinez’s men will believe themselves capable against anyone, and will be full of confidence of fulfilling their manager’s pre-season pledge.
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