Arsene Wenger was thoroughly impressed with new signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan after the former Borussia Dortmund teammates starred for Arsenal in their 5-1 thrashing of Everton on Saturday.
Aubameyang, who became Arsenal's record signing on Wednesday, scored on his debut while Mkhitaryan laid on three assists. A hat-trick from Aaron Ramsey and a goal for Laurent Koscielny ensured a rout at the Emirates Stadium.
The performance was a much-needed boost for Wenger after a difficult January that saw Alexis Sanchez force through a move to Manchester United, while Arsenal struggled on the pitch.
____________________
Read more:
[ Sanchez stars as 'kid' McTominay impresses in Man United win over Huddersfield ]
[ Watch: Antonio Conte's 'desire is to continue to stay' at Chelsea despite exit speculation ]
Guardiola insists Burnley draw was 'one of our best performances this season'
____________________
Gabon striker Aubameyang joined from Dortmund on deadline day for a club record £56 million, reuniting with Armenia midfielder Mkhitaryan, who arrived earlier in the window from United in a swap deal for Sanchez.
While Aaron Ramsey scored his first career hat-trick against Everton, it was the promising partnership between Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan that stole the show.
"Overall, the two players integrated well into our game and they looked as if they had played for us forever," said Wenger.
"They have similar qualities to what our game is about. Technically, they are good. They are quick and overall it was a first convincing performance."
Aubameyang was a constant menace with his pace and energy and, while his goal was fortunate given he was offside when he ran onto Mkhitaryan's pass, there was enough quality on display to suggest he may keep the misfiring Alexandre Lacazette on the bench for the foreseeable future.
"The quality of his movement and finishing was excellent. He gives problems to defenders with his movement, he is always looking to go into spaces that are difficult to cover," Wenger said.
"When he gets ahead it is hard to catch him. When we understand him better we can make more of that.
"He is not at his best physically and still has some work to do on that, but the price is reasonable I think, overall for that quality of striker in today's market."
Mkhitaryan struggled to make an impact at United, but he looked revitalised at the Emirates Stadium, linking with Aubameyang and Mesut Ozil to devastating effect as Arsenal tore Everton to pieces with four goals in the first half.
"He is a good link player and he works very hard as well," Wenger said. "Overall, I think he looked well-accepted by the rest of the team and was understanding very well how we want to play. I can say is that it was a convincing debut."
Wenger also reserved praise for Ramsey as the Wales midfielder finally took his manager's advice to stay cool in front of goal.
"I felt always -- when I watched the games after on the video -- you think always that he is there in a good position in the box and I felt always that he had between 10 and 15 goals at least in his locker," Wenger said.
"He didn't do it until now because I think he rushed, sometimes, with his finishing. He looks much calmer."
