Arsenal delivered an emphatic warning that they remain, serious title contenders, as they outclassed abysmal Chelsea at Emirates Stadium to return to the top of the Premier League after a 3-1 win.
The Gunners had gone four league games without a win and were heavily beaten last time out at reigning champions Manchester City, who replaced them at the summit with victory at Fulham on Sunday.
Arsenal responded by producing a magnificent first-half display, racing into a 3-0 lead inside 34 minutes.
Chelsea, who fell to a sixth straight loss under interim manager Frank Lampard, and are now seated in 12th position on the table, were thankful to goalkeeper Kepa Arrizabalaga that the scoreline was not even more embarrassing.
Arsenal, however, were never in serious danger and are now two points clear of City having played two games more than their title rivals.