Arsenal miss out on Champions League spot but finish in style after hammering Everton

Arsenal missed on the final Champions League spot, despite a 5-1 rout of Everton, after Tottenham won at Norwich to seal fourth spot in the Premier League table.

Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Eddie Nketiah, Cedric Soares, Gabriel and Martin Odegaard secured a thumping win for the home side, while Everton’s solitary strike came from Donny van de Beek just before half-time.

Arsenal made three changes against the Toffees, with Soares, Rob Holding and Martinelli all starting.

Frank Lampard reacted to Everton guaranteeing their survival on Thursday night by making six changes, including a first start for January signing Dele Alli, while Jordan Pickford was replaced by Asmir Begovic.

The Gunners started like a train, with Bukayo Saka blazing over and then Martinelli forcing Begovic into action.

However, they were in front with 27 minutes on the clock when referee Lee Mason was asked by VAR to check on a handball by Arsenal old boy Alex Iwobi and pointed to the spot. Martinelli did the business from 12 yards to give Mikel Arteta’s men the lead.

The home side deservedly doubled their advantage four minutes later. A Martinelli flick-on from a corner was flicked home by Nketiah from close range.

Saka went close to adding another just before the break but he curled his effort just wide.

However, Everton gave themselves some hope just before the break when Van de Beek netted. The Dutch midfielder tapped home from six yards after good work down the right from Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

The home side restored their two-goal advantage in the 56th minute through Soares. The Gunners full-back swept home Saka’s corner for his first goal in two years.

It was 4-1 just three minutes later when Gabriel pounced on a loose ball in the area before