Arsene Wenger hailed the technical level of new signing Henrikh Mkhitaryan and Alex Iwobi after their fluid displays in Arsenal’s 5-1 win over Everton.
Though Mkhitaryan stole the show with a hat-trick of assists on his first appearance at the Emirates since joining from Manchester United Iwobi was equally impressive, providing one of Aaron Ramsey’s three goals.
Particularly encouraging for Wenger was the fluidity of the wingers in his 4-2-3-1 formation, with Iwobi and Mkhitaryan switching flanks and doubling up to probe on Everton weaknesses.
It paid dividends in an emphatic victory but the tactic was hardly simple to achieve.
“It was accepted from the start that our two wide players could switch, with Mesut [Ozil] as well,” Wenger said.
“That’s only possible when you have a good technical level, that you do not lose the ball in important positions. If you lose the ball you’re in trouble.
“In the first half we didn’t, we moved the ball well and it becomes a danger.”
Mkhitaryan and Iwobi dovetailed to great effect with Ozil and club record signing Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, whose first goal for the club came from a superb through ball by the Armenian.
For the second time in as many league games Arsenal entered the dressing room 4-0 up at half-time after 45 minutes of free-flowing football that delighted their manager.
“There’s one part of me who’s always worried, I’m such a long time in football, but one part as well is purely a football lover,” Wenger said. “Your main target is to get the players to enjoy the game they play, to share it with the fans.
“When you have that positive experience it’s great for you.
“It was pure enjoyment. I love that the team plays [like that]… my regret is it doesn’t last for 90 minutes.
“It was similar against Palace [a 4-1 victory], [we were] flatter in the second half. But at least we scored the goals. Against Crystal Palace we lost the second half, today we drew.”