What Happened
Three goals in the space of four second-half minutes blew Huddersfield away as we extended our winning streak at Emirates Stadium to 12 league games.
Alexandre Lacazette had opened the scoring after just three minutes, but the real fireworks came in the second half. Mesut Ozil was at the heart of it all, creating two – for Olivier Giroud and Alexis – and scoring the other himself.
Giroud later scored a second to round off our biggest win of the season, but Huddersfield had caused plenty of problems at 1-0.
Coming into the game on the back of a north London derby success and last-minute win at Burnley in the previous two league games, it was no surprise that we started the game full of confidence.
Alexandre Lacazette celebrates with Alexis and Aaron Ramsey after opening the scoring
With the first attack of the game, Aaron Ramsey slipped Lacazette through in the area after some quick passing in midfield. The striker showed his natural composure and calm in front of goal to slot the ball home.
It was just the start we were looking for against a side who had made Manchester City work so hard for the win at the weekend.
We continued to pin Huddersfield back for the rest of the half. Passing the ball around fairly comfortably but without creating many shooting opportunities.
Arsenal were patiently looking for openings, and Granit Xhaka created a chance for Lacazette after some intricate play in the edge of the area. The Frenchman was forced wide, virtually on the byline, but still managed to chip a wonderful effort goalwards, only to be denied by a flying Martin Cranie clearance.
Some sloppiness crept into our play as the half came to a close. After giving the ball away in midfield Colin Quaner broke free, but his first touch let him down, and Laurent Koscielny made a sliding block.
The Terriers called Petr Cech into action on more than one occassion in the first half
We almost started the second half how we started the first, with an early goal. Alexis tricked and turned his way past his man, before picking out Mesut Ozil. The German went for placement rather than power, and his effort was blocked.
Both keepers made decent saves in quick succession - first Cech from Quaner then Jonas Lossl from Olivier Giroud - who replaced Lacazette at half-time – as we counter-attacked.
The game had opened up now. Cech was called into action again, palming a deflected Steve Mounie effort onto the bar and just over.
It was our turn to hit the woodwork. Ramsey again was the creator, playing in Giroud, who rounded the keeper but saw his first shot smack the post, before firing the rebound into the side-netting.
Aaron Ramsey was involved in the build-up more than once, and bagged two assists
The game had become scrappy, but a move of sheer brilliance sparked a quick-fire treble.
A wonderfully constructed move on the left flank, some quick one-touch passing, and the ball was worked to Giroud to finish at the near post from Ozil's cross.
Just seconds later Ozil set up Alexis to smash home on the half volley.
The Gunners were rampant, and Ozil soon made it four, tucking home Ramsey's throughball.
It was a devastating spell from Arsenal, and Ozil was proving unstoppable whenever he was in possession.
It was one-way traffic, and we still had time for a fifth goal. Giroud was on hand to smash home after neat work from Kolasinac inside the area.
What it Means
This was our 12th successive home win in the Premier League, extending our best ever sequence at Emirates Stadium. The win keeps us fourth, 12 points behind leaders Manchester City. Our goal difference was given a healthy boost as well improving to plus 12.
What's Next
We welcome Manchester United on Saturday tea-time in a huge top-four clash, as we look to equal our club record for consecutive Premier League home wins.
Well-worked goals
Eight players were involved in Lacazette's early goal, while Ozil, Kolasinac and Alexis combined for our second goal for Giroud.
Here's how Lacazette's goal was created
Hector Bellerin picked up possession on the right wing
Bellerin passed it back to Laurent Koscielny
Koscielny played it short to Xhaka
The ball was moved square to Nacho Monreal
Monreal swapped passes with Kolasinac as we moved into Huddersfield's half
Xhaka moved the ball forward to Ozil
Ozil found Lacazette, who pinged the ball to Xhaka
Xhaka nudged it forward to Aaron Ramsey
Ramsey's pass was expertly converted by Lacazette
Giroud's goal was also easy on the eye
Ozil flicked the ball to Kolasinac on the left wing
The German continued his run to pick up Kolasinac's return pass
Ozil then played a one-two with Alexis
Ozil crossed for Giroud to net at the near post
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