A rampant Arsenal kept their title push firmly on track by humiliating rock-bottom Sheffield United to once again close the gap to the Premier League summit courtesy of a thumping 6-0 win at Bramall Lane.
The Gunners were playing catch-up following weekend wins for rivals Liverpool and Manchester City, but any slim fears of a major shock were over inside 25 minutes as the visitors stormed into a four-goal lead.
Martin Odegaard set the ball rolling before a Jayden Bogle own goal was followed by strikes from Gabriel Martinelli and Kai Havertz.
Declan Rice then added a fifth four minutes before the break to ensure Arsenal equalled the record for the most goals scored by one team in the first half of a Premier League match.
Sheffield United had been abysmal, but did offer some resistance in the second half until Ben White got in on the act with a fizzing strike from the right side of the area just shy of the hour.
The result sees third-placed Arsenal move back to within two points of leaders Liverpool who meet second-placed Manchester City next weekend.
Arsenal will now aim to make it eight league wins on the bounce and move top – ahead of that Sunday clash between the Reds and the Blues – when they host Brentford on Saturday.
Sheffield United, who remain rooted to the foot of the table and 11 points adrift of safety, travel to Bournemouth.
