This match could not have gone any better for Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
With Manchester City having been in FA Cup action last week and not playing until Monday, they made the most of their chance to extend their lead in top spot and ease relieve some of the tension.
Boss Arteta has to be given credit for taking what could be perceived as risk by playing left-back Myles Lewis-Skelly in midfield for the first time and leaving out Martin Zubimendi, who has played the most minutes of any outfielder in the Gunners squad.
The 19-year-old Lewis-Skelly looked assured in the role and, with Riccardo Calafiori, Bukayo Saka and Eberechi Eze all in the side, the Arsenal attack flowed better than it has done for many weeks.
Saka, who started on the right flank for the first time since the Carabao Cup final defeat to Manchester City, was at his scintillating best and a constant threat before he was withdrawn at half-time.
Viktor Gyokeres backed up a good performance against Atletico Madrid in midweek with a double here and, despite some criticism following his summer arrival from Sporting, a 21-goal haul in all competitions is a good return.
The last Arsenal player to score 20-plus goals in their debut season was Alexis Sanchez in the 2014-15 campaign.
Arteta's side also boosted their goal difference, moving four clear of City and also one ahead on goals scored.
The Gunners are now three games away from lifting their first title in 22 years and, if they can overcome Atleti on Tuesday, will reach a first Champions League final since 2006 to mark a monumental season for the club.
