Goals from Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Nicolas Pepe, Mesut Ozil and Alexandre Lacazette helped Arsenal record a crucial 4-0 win over Newcastle at the Emirates Stadium.
Mikel Arteta sprung a surprise with his starting line-up, handing a first Premier League start to 20-year-old striker Eddie Nketiah ahead of Alexandre Lacazette.
Dani Ceballos was also selected for his first start since November as the Gunners attempted to end a run of four consecutive draws.
After spending a week training in Dubai, Arteta had the opportunity to instil his philosophy into his players as they begin their push to qualify for the Champions League.
There were glimpses of what Arteta’s work on the training ground had consisted of: quick, one-touch passing on the ball and high-intensity pressing off it. But it was Newcastle who had the first sight of goal with two chances in the space of a minute.