- Everton were thrashed 5-1 by Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday
- Arsenal raced to a 4-0 lead in the Premier League clash with the Toffees
- Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny scored Arsenal’s first three goals
- Everton managed just three tackles in the first half at the Emirates Stadium
- BT Sport pundit Martin Keown described Sam Alardyce’s side as ‘appalling’
Everton supporters had seen enough after just 45 minutes of their side’s trip to Arsenal on Saturday night as they were embarrassed in the first half of a Gunners rout.
Sam Allardyce’s Toffees, who were up against a new look Arsenal side with Pierre Emerick Aubameyang and Henrik Mkhitaryan making their debuts after their January arrivals, were eased aside 5-1 by their hosts, a performance described as ‘appalling’ BT Sport pundit Martin Keown at half time.
And it’s safe to say his views were shared by the Everton fans the 156 mile trip to the capital as the bulk of the travelling support departed during the interval.
Sam Allardyce watched as his Everton side were torn apart by Arsenal in the first half
‘Their defence today was absolutely appalling,’ Keown said. ‘There was no communication as well coming from that core of the team.’
Everton trailed 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium before 40 minutes were on the clock courtesy of an Aaron Ramsey brace, Laurent Koscielny’s header and Aubameyang’s debut goal – two of which were assisted by Mkhitaryan.
They have conceded 10 goals in their two encounters with the Gunners this season, and will be keen to see the back of Arsene Wenger’s side.
Aaron Ramsey contributed two of Arsenal’s four goals in a dreadful first half for Evertom
In the first 45 minutes, Everton made a grand total of three tackles, which culminated into a first half performance likely to be remembered as one of the worst of the season, let alone in recent years.
Dominic Calvert-Lewin went on to hand a consolation goal to his side with the game out of their reach by the time he netted on 64 minutes.
It’s a result that will be unlikely to put Allardyce’s side in any immediate danger, but he will be keen to eradicate their defensive flaws in fear of falling into a relegation scrap.
The away end at the Emirates was left half empty as Everton fans left the ground at half time