What we predicted

Given United’s recent run of form, we expected to see the points shared in a 2-2 draw.

What happened

Arsenal banished their European woes by overwhelming their visitors with flowing football and a three-goal burst to put the outcome beyond doubt inside the first 20 minutes.

Mesut Ozil crossed for Alexis Sanchez to flick home the opening goal in the sixth minute and the Germany international then made it 2-0 almost immediately, playing a one-two with Theo Walcott before drilling low past David de Gea.

Walcott was also the provider for the Gunners’ third goal as Sanchez held off two United defenders and slammed a 25-yarder into the top corner.

Petr Cech was called into action to make saves from Anthony Martial and Wayne Rooney either side of half-time, but the home side always looked in control, the only question being whether they could add further goals.

The answer turned out to be no, although Ozil, Olivier Giroud and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain – with a chip onto the crossbar in added time – all went close to doing so.

Buy him a pint

Walcott put in a tremendous shift up front, while Sanchez continued his recent renaissance with two goals and bamboozled the United defence on more than one occasion.

However, we’ve criticised Ozil in the past for failing to show up in the big games – so let’s give credit where it’s due. He was a big presence in this one, linking the play throughout and scoring the vital second goal.

Get your coat son

It’s hard to be critical after watching Arsenal put United to the sword in such ruthless fashion… however, the feeling persists that Per Mertesacker looks uncomfortable without Laurent Koscielny alongside him.

The Gunners skipper gave the ball away in dangerous situations and was easily spun by Anthony Martial just before half-time, but Petr Cech came to the rescue.

Magic moment

It has to be Sanchez’s second goal – clinical, eye-catching and the strike that made you confident there would be no way back for the visitors.