Mikel Arteta said Arsenal delivered a Champions League statement of intent with their 5-1 demolition of Sporting Lisbon.
Arteta had demanded a dynamic display from his team ahead of their trip to the Jose Alvalade stadium and they responded in style.
Goals from Gabriel Martinelli, Kai Havertz, Gabriel Magalhaes, Bukayo Saka and Leandro Trossard lifted the Gunners into seventh place in the revamped Champions League as they chase a place in the last 16. It was Arsenal's biggest away win in the Champions League since Arsene Wenger's men thrashed Inter Milan by the same scoreline in 2003.
"I'm very happy. It's a big result against a big opponent. We wanted to make that statement," Arsenal manager Arteta said. "I felt really good energy and belief before the match. The first half was exceptional. We were really clever and efficient."
Ending Sporting's 18-game unbeaten start to the season in all competitions, just weeks after the Portuguese champions had crushed Manchester City 4-1 in Lisbon, served notice that Arsenal are back on track.
The Gunners have fallen nine points behind Premier League leaders Liverpool, but last weekend's 3-0 win over Nottingham Forest was the first sign of a revival that gathered pace against Sporting.
Martin Odegaard didn't get on the scoresheet against Sporting but the Gunners captain - back to his best after a lengthy injury absence - was a key figure with his astute passing, high-tempo pressing and clever movement.
Saka admitted Odegaard was sorely missed after the midfielder suffered an ankle problem on international duty with Norway in September.
"He's an unbelievable player. The day he returned, there was a big smile on my face," Saka said.
"You can see the chemistry we have. I hope he stays fit for the rest of the season."
AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE
Kai Havertz takes evasive action after a tackle attempt by Goncalo Inacio. REUTERS
