London - A sublime Alexis Sanchez scored twice and created a third as Arsenal climbed level on points with fourth-placed Southampton following a 3-0 Premier League victory against Stoke City on Sunday.
After Laurent Koscielny headed Arsenal into a sixth-minute lead from a Sanchez cross, the outstanding Chilean fired in a brilliant second before scoring with a deflected free kick for his 18th goal in all competitions this season.
Arsenal's win was soured somewhat by a serious looking injury to defender Mathieu Debuchy, but the Gunners were able to welcome back German World Cup-winner Mesut Ozil following a length injury absence.
Victory lifted Arsenal above rivals Tottenham Hotspur to fifth, level with Southampton who travel to Manchester United, one point and place above them, in Sunday's late game.