First-half goals from Nicolas Pepe and Sokratis Papastathopoulos gave Mikel Arteta a first win as Arsenal head coach as the Gunners recorded a comprehensive 2-0 victory at home to Manchester United.
It was the Gunners’ first success at the Emirates since October 24 and gave the supporters a glimpse of what life could be like under the Spaniard.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer would have been left perplexed by the performance of his United side, who missed the chance to move within two points of the top four.
United were once again without Paul Pogba, but did have Arsenal’s nemesis Jesse Lingard in the starting XI.
The Gunners had impressed in Sunday’s 2-1 defeat to Chelsea and despite the defeat made another rapid start at the Emirates.
It was almost 2-0 just two minutes later, but the goalscorer – after leaving Luke Shaw on the floor – saw Arsenal’s skipper volley over.
Home boss Arteta would have been delighted, but United were slow and laboured in their passing and constantly being pushed back by the hosts’ attacking foursome.
Lacazette and Lucas Torreira fired off target in quick succession just past the half-hour mark, with the Uruguayan inches away with his strike as the Red Devils’ struggles continued.
Solskjaer’s side entered this following back-to-back wins, but were second best and making too many mistakes. David De Gea’s poor clearance in the 38th minute presented Pepe with an opportunity and his curler struck a post.
It was brief respite for United as, two minutes before half-time, Arsenal finally did add to their lead when Sokratis was on hand to thump home after De Gea had saved Lacazette’s near-post header from a Pepe corner.
The Gunners’ number one had to punch away a flurry of crosses into his area, although Arsenal were by no means only defending with Lacazette smashing over with 12 minutes left after a great run by Aubameyang.
