The Gunners returned to the top with a thumping 3-0 success at Brentford, and also introduced 15-year-old Ethan Nwaneri to the Premier League.
Arsenal enjoyed a near-perfect afternoon as they bounced back from their defeat at Manchester United with a thumping 3-0 win at Brentford on Sunday.
From the moment William Saliba headed them in front on 17 minutes, Mikel Arteta's side were in cruise control and further goals from Gabriel Jesus and Fabio Vieira saw them return to the top of the Premier League.
It was a wonderful performance from the Gunners, with Granit Xhaka imperious in the heart of the midfield.
The Switzerland international set up Arsenal's second goal of the afternoon with a curling cross which Jesus met with a thumping header.
And Vieira, making his first Premier League start in place of the injured Martin Odegaard, crashed home a sensational third soon after the interval to open his account for his new club.
The win moved Arsenal back above Manchester City and Tottenham into top spot in the Premier League ahead of the international break.
GettyThe Winners
Winner: Granit Xhaka
What a season Xhaka is having.
This was another outstanding performance from a player who continues to silence all of his doubters under Mikel Arteta.
His assist for Gabriel Jesus' goal was excellent, but his all-round display was one of a player who is bristling with confidence after an exceptional start to the season.
In defence, he continues to offer real protection to the back four and in attack, he is now consistently showing he has a lot to offer in the final third.
Many felt this could be the season that saw Xhaka eased out of the Arsnal starting XI, but instead he has cemented his place more than ever.
Winner: Kieran Tierney
This was undoubtedly Tierney's best performance of the season.
Having missed most of the summer due to injury and lost his place to Oleksandr Zinchenko, Tierney has looked a bit off the pace when called upon in recent weeks.
But this was much more like what we have come to expect from Tierney. He looked strong down the left-hand side and was full of energy.
He has looked sluggish at times this season and has struggled to get back in position when caught upfield.
There was none of that against Brentford, however, with the Scotland international looking as fit as he has done all season.
Winner: Fabio Vieira
What a way to introduce yourself.
There was plenty of concern amongst Arsenal fans pre-match when it was announced that Martin Odegaard was out with a calf problem.
But the captain's absence gave Vieira his first league start since his move from Porto and the £35m man seized the opportunity in sensational style, scoring his first goal for the club with a wonderful effort from 25 yards.
It was a goal which capped a tidy performance from the new boy, who has made quite the impression in the past couple of weeks as Arteta has begun to integrate him into the side.
AdvertisementGetty ImagesThe Losers
Loser: Martin Odegaard
The Arsenal captain will have been watching on disappointed at home having had to drop out of the squad at the last minute through injury.
Odegaard will now be hoping that the calf problem he has picked up is nothing serious, especially with the north London derby on October 1 looming large.
The Gunners skipper has been carrying the issue for a few weeks and Arsenal decided it was best not to risk him after he felt it once again during Friday afternoon's final training session.
Odegaard will now sit out the upcoming international break as he attempts to recover fully before the Tottenham game at the start of next month.
Loser: Ivan Toney
There won't be any sarcastic tweets from the Brentford striker after this one.
He would have been hoping to celebrate his England call-up with a goal against the Gunners, but instead he was barely given a kick by William Saliba or Gabriel Magalhaes.
The two Arsenal centre-backs were superb throughout and Toney looked visibly frustrated as the game wore on.
His mood would not have been helped by the Arsenal fans enjoying themselves at his expense during the closing stages, chanting: "Ivan Toney, a stroll in the park."
GettyArsenal Ratings: Defence
Aaron Ramsdale (6/10):
Made one big save in the second half, other than that he barely had anything to do.
Ben White (7/10):
Another excellent performance which makes a mockery of his absence from the England squad.
William Saliba (9/10):
Another goal from the centre-back and another near perfect display.
Gabriel Magalhaes (8/10):
Dealt with Toney really well, which was all the more impressive considering he was clearly carrying an injury.
Kieran Tierney (8/10):
His best performance of the season. Looks back to full fitness.
GettyMidfield
Thomas Partey (7/10):
Brings so much control to the Arsenal midfield.
Granit Xhaka (9/10):
Outstanding performance. Best player on the pitch. Great assist for the second goal.
Fabio Vieira (8/10):
Really tidy performance, capped by a wonderful goal.