Top Gunners throw down gauntlet to title rivals

Five-star performance an ominous warning as Mikel’s men run riot to set up fascinating finale

- Simon Collings

FIREWORKS were being set off by Arsenal fans outside the ground last night after this emphatic victory, and who could blame them.

Aweek ago, after defeats by Aston Villa and Bayern Munich, the Gunners' season was in danger of derailing, but is now set up for a fascinating finale.

This was a statement victory from Mikel Arteta's side as they threw down the gauntlet to their title rivals to move three points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The pressure is on Liverpool and Manchester City to respond, with Jurgen Klopp's side able to go level on points with Arsenal if they win at Everton tonight.

The title is still in City's hands, who are four points off Arsenal with two games in hand, but this result will have made them sit up and take notice ahead of their game at Brighton tomorrow.

Chelsea were poor, but Arsenal ruthlessly put them to the sword and took full advantage to record their biggest-ever victory against them.

The Gunners could have easily scored more than five, and the manner of this victory will fuel belief and confidence going into the north London derby at Tottenham on Sunday.

When Ben White made it 2-0 early in the second half, this game felt over as a contest, but Arsenal did not let up.