Arsenal's stunning eight-minute first-half spell stole the spotlight from Raheem Sterling as the hosts moved into second spot with a 4-1 Premier League win over Liverpool.
The Emirates Stadium faithful were treated to three goals shortly before the break as manager of the month Arsene Wenger's claims of still being in the title race gained substantial credibility, with his side having now won 10 of their last 11 top-flight games.
Hector Bellerin was the unlikely scorer of the 37th-minute opener and his curled effort sparked a match-winning period of dominance.
Mesut Ozil was next to contribute, shrugging off reports about his off-field activities to arrow home a stunning free-kick, with Alexis Sanchez completing a sobering end to the half for Brendan Rodgers' Liverpool.