Steven Naismith, Romelu Lukaku and an own-goal from Mikel Arteta helped Everton to take a huge step towards securing Champions League qualification after hammering top-four rivals Arsenal 3-0 at Goodison Park on Sunday afternoon.
First-half strikes from Steven Naismith after 14 minutes and a superb solo effort from Romelu Lukaku after 34 fired the Toffees into a 2-0 lead at half-time before a Mikel Arteta own goal shortly after the restart, sent Arsenal crashing to another heavy defeat on Merseyside two months after they lost 5-1 at Liverpool.
Romelu Lukaku shows the place he thinks Everton can make after Everton’s 3-0 win over Arsenal
Everton’s sixth successive Premier League victory meant that they are now one point behind fourth-placed Arsenal with a game in hand and have a great chance to secure European football in their first season under Roberto Martinez.
The Gunners, Meanwhile, extended their winless run in the top flight to four matches, and face an uphill task to secure a 17th successive season in the Champions League.
The London Club have taken their place alongside Europe’s elite since 1998-99 but on this form their record is under serious threat with Everton, who took part in the qualifiers in the 2005-06 season but were cruelly dumped out by Villarreal.
Match facts
Everton: Howard, Baines, Distin, Stones, Coleman, McCarthy, Barry, Osman (Barkley 10′), Naismith (McGeady 81′), Mirallas, Lukaku (Deulofeu 86′)
Subs not used: Robles, Hibbert, Garbutt, Alcaraz
Goals: Naismith, Lukaku, Arteta (OG)
Booked: Osman
Manager: Martinez
Arsenal: Szczesny , Sagna, Mertesacker, Vermaelen , Monreal , Arteta, Flamini (Ramsey 66′), Rosicky, Cazorla, Podolski (Oxlade-Chamerlain 66′), Giroud (Sanogo 71′)
Subs: Viviano, Jenkinson, Bellerin, Kallstrom
Booked: Arteta, Flamini
Manager: Arsene Wenger
Referee: Martin Atkinson
Attendance: 39,504
Man of the match: Barkley
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