Arsenal put their midweek defeat against Swansea behind them in style as they thrashed Everton 5-1 at the Emirates.
The Gunners, who handed January signings Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang and Henrikh Mkhitaryan their home debuts, raced into a 3-0 lead within the opening 20 minutes thanks to a double from Aaron Ramsey and Laurent Koscielny's stooped header.
Ex-Dortmund duo Aubameyang and Mkhitaryan combined to add further gloss to the scoreline before half-time, with the former netting his first goal in a red shirt, before substitute Dominic Calvert-Lewin reduced the deficit in the second period.
But Man of the Match Ramsey had the final say for the hosts, completing his hat-trick before being substituted to a standing ovation.
Here are four talking points from the late kick-off.
1. Allardyce ensures Everton's expected defeat
They say you should never change a winning team. But for some reason, after ending a seven-game run against Leicester City on Wednesday evening, Sam Allardyce ripped up the blueprint that had helped his side to three points against the Foxes and started again.
A switch to a five-man backline was also accompanied by a whole swathe of personnel changes, leaving Everton way off the pace in the early stages. It was evident from minute one that certain Blues defenders- particularly those in wide areas- were uncomfortable with the brief, and Arsenal capitalised in full, drifting into space and capitalising clinically.
The first goal was a case in point. Henrikh Mkhitaryan free to exploit room in behind Cuco Martina, and Aaron Ramsey unmarked in the six-yard box. Everton were lambs to the slaughter- and the game was as good as over within 15 minutes.
For a side set up to defend in a compact block, this was a catastrophe. Allardyce, supposedly a defensive mastermind, had helped create the panic with unnecessary changes. Lining the likes of Michael Keane and Ashley Williams up against the pace of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang one of just a series of mishaps.
Teams as good as Arsenal don't need a helping hand- but they got a huge one here.
It was almost as though Everton had accepted defeat before a ball had even been kicked. Without a win against the Gunners since 1996, games like these have become 'expected losses' to use a term coined by major shareholder Farhad Moshiri.
Until those at the club expect more in such encounters, the Blues will continue to suffer humiliations of the kind experienced on Saturday evening.
2. Arsenal and Mkhitaryan are a match made in heaven
As introductions go, Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first appearance at the Emirates was definitely one to remember.
A makeweight in the deal to take Alexis Sanchez to Manchester United, it's safe to say things didn't work out as planned for the talented Armenian at Old Trafford- but in signing for Arsenal, Mkhitaryan has found a kindred spirit in Arsene Wenger.
Joining a setup that provides the sort of fast ball he needs in which to thrive, it's no surprise that the ex-Dortmund man made the most favourable of first impressions in front of the Emirates faithful. His technique, movement and in-game intelligence a shining beacon even on an evening in which several others in red and white excelled.
The architect of the opener with a smart run and cross, Mkhitaryan also set up former BVB teammate Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang's debut goal just before the break.
Pleasing signs for Wenger that the duo, a routinely potent threat in Germany, can replicate the partnership in north London.
Should they do so, memories of Sanchez will swiftly become a distant memory.
3. Walcott endures unhappy return to Emirates
On an evening of few positives, Theo Walcott's performance on his return to the Emirates served as one of the sole bright sparks for Allardyce's men.
A popular figure with the home crowd after netting over 100 goals during his time at the club, the 28-year-old's name rang around the vast stadium on more than one occasion. A fitting tribute for a player who has made a name for himself as a top professional.
This was another decent outing from Walcott, who followed on from his brace in midweek with a committed performance that put most of his teammates to shame. Indeed, only substitutes Tom Davies and Dominic Calvert-Lewin offered anything like the same level of resistance as the attacker- and by then the game was already gone.
A willing runner off the ball, the England international also sent in a number of inviting crosses that should have resulted in goals. This one, largely, was not on him.
It wasn't anywhere near enough here, but the early signs are that the pacy forward will play a central role for the Blues over the next four months at the very least.
4. Ramsey shows he's ready to fight for his shirt
If Aaron Ramsey was worried by the increased competition in Arsenal's midfield brought about by the arrival of Henrikh Mkhitaryan then he certainly didn't show it.
Instead, the Welshman responded to the Armenian's signing in the best possible way by scoring a hat-trick and pocketing the Man of the Match award.
There was an element of fortune about his deflected second, while Everton's meagre resistance should also be taken into account, but Ramsey's energy and goalscoring nous have given his manager a welcome selection headache at an important part of the season.
Jack Wilshere may offer a composed presence in possession from deep and Mkhitaryan the ability to play the killer final pass, but the Welshman's capacity to arrive late in the opposition box is unsurpassed in the Arsenal squad. Just ask Everton.
Few would argue if he kept his shirt for the all-important derby against Tottenham next weekend.
