Despite the obvious disappointment surrounding the club with regards to Alexis Sanchez’s likely departure to Manchester United, the Emirates Stadium faithful were treated to a vintage Arsenal performance in a 4-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
A 16 minute period saw Arsenal score all four of their goals, with Nacho Monreal opening the floodgates after just six minutes of play.
With Sanchez not involved it fell on the shoulders of Alex Iwobi to start on the left hand side of the team’s forward line, he didn’t disappoint as he added a second goal just four minutes later.
Roy Hodgson’s team couldn’t live with such rampant opposition, Wilfried Zaha and Christian Benteke were barely involved and it didn’t take too much longer before Laurent Koscielny and Alexandre Lacazette completed the scoring for the hosts.
The look of relief on the former Lyon forward’s face was clear to see as he ended a recent dry spell in front of goal.
At half-time the match was essentially over, it was therefore unsurprising when the intensity of the Gunners’ performance dropped in the second half.
The travelling Eagles support was given something to cheer late in the match though, Zaha was fouled inside the penalty area and a penalty was awarded.
Luka Milivojevic missed the spot-kick but followed up by converting the rebound.
Arsene Wenger’s problems off the pitch remain, however the club are expected to try and make moves in the transfer market to offset the loss of the Chilean.
In the meantime, the result brings them within two points of Tottenham Hotspur and the much coveted fourth place.
