Everton vs Arsenal | EPL

Arsenal, predicted a rough ride in trying to hang on in the Premier League's top four, ran up a shattering 6-1 triumph away to shattered Everton at Goodison Park. The Gunners had led 3-0 at half-time.

Denilson (26 minutes), new defender Thomas Vermeulen (37) and William Gallas (41) struck in the first half to bring a sudden halt to the season-opening optimism of Everton's fans.

Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas scored No4 three minutes into the second half then was allowed a free run at Everton defence to lash in No5 in the 70th. Andrei Arshavin shot against a post in the 89th minute and Eduardo, their Brazilian-born Croatia striker, tapped the loose ball home.

The ease with which the Gunners had sliced Everton apart in both midfield and defence was a major embarrassment not only for home manager David Moyes but also for his want-away central defender Joleon Lescott who is wanted - or, at least, had been wanted - by Manchester City.

Last season Everton had finished just behind Arsenal in fifth place and had been among the popular tips to overtake Arsene Wenger's youngsters this time. Goalkeeper Manuel Almunia was never seriously troubled until stoppage time at the end of the second half when Louis Saha snatched a single consolation goal.

Everton fans were fleeing the scene of the disaster long before the end while Arsenal's travelling supporters celebrated - and looked forward with new-found confidence to the outcome of Tuesday's Champions League qualifying visit to Glasgow against Celtic.

Oh well, that was a bit of a dull season opener. Wenger really needs to do something about the defence, that was really sloppy letting them score.

We'll have to do better next weekend, I'm expecting at least a 10-0 win...

hahaha....enjoyed every bit of the game except that goal we conceded, would have been thrilled to see a 6-0 scoreline.

Go Gunners !!

Will post my post match thoughts later

Great win for us in this season opener.

We were good as a unit.
Vermaelen had a dream debut by scoring a goal. He looks good in the air, something that we have lacked in the defence.
Sagna, was caught off position many times in this game, but everton did not capitalize on those mistakes.
Gallas, clichy looked there normal self.
Song & Denilson, looks to have improved with their passing ability. Song playing as a defensive shield was somewhat effective, however it remains to see what happens when we play a top 4 club.
Fabregas for me is the MoM for this game.

Arshavin, Vanp & bendtner all had a good game. Eduardo coming on as a sub & scoring was good for him to get his confidence back.

All in all a good result except for the goal we conceded, it would have been awesome if we had kept a clean sheet.
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Poll for man of the match added.