Arsenal put on a show as they recorded a statement 2-0 win at home to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in the UEFA Champions League.
Mikel Arteta's side got off to an electric start and, after several great chances in the opening exchanges, they took the lead in the 20th minute through a Kai Havertz header, after some excellent footwork from Leandro Trossard.
The Gunners did not relent and, before long, found themselves two nil up when Bukayo Saka's free-kick in the 35th minute whizzed past everyone and into the net - following moderate chaos in the box.
Despite PSG offering an improved showing in the second half, it was the hosts who enjoyed the better of the chances as they played out for an ultimately comfortable win in North London.
The result sees Arsenal head eighth in the newly-revamped League Phase of the competition, just two points shy of the leaders Borussia Dortmund, while PSG fall to 18th following the defeat.
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Story of the match
Arteta named an unchanged starting lineup from the side who beat Leicester City 4-2 in dramatic fashion on Saturday afternoon.
There was cause for celebration among Arsenal fans, however, following the news that Mikel Merino was in contention to make his debut after being named on the bench.
The Spaniard suffered a shoulder fracture during his first training session following his £31.6 million arrival from Real Sociedad this summer, but now looks ready to leave his mark on the Gunners.
Luis Enrique made four changes following Les Parisiens' 3-1 win over Rennes at the weekend.
The most notable change was the absence of Ousmane Dembele, who was dropped from the squad after an alleged row with Enrique following the win over Rennes.
Arsenal start on the front foot
As has become common for Arsenal, the hosts immediately took the game to PSG as they looked to put the visitors under early pressure.
They were almost rewarded with an early lead in the third minute when David Raya played a looping ball behind Les Parisiens' defence, but Gianluigi Donnarumma got to the ball fractionally ahead of the chasing Havertz.
The Gunners continued to dominate and, when Bukayo Saka cut into the box just six minutes later, fans were already on their feet expecting his now trademark finish to find the back of the net.
It was not to be on this occasion, however, as the England international watched his effort creep agonisingly over the crossbar.
Arteta's side again went close a short while later when Saka unleashed Havertz with a simple pass, but there were no red shirts waiting to latch onto the German's pass played across the face of goal.
The Gunners finally capitalised on their dominance just seconds later, however, as Havertz finally got his goal to put Arsenal ahead.
Trossard went on a darting run, beating two opposing players, before delivering an inch-perfect cross towards the goalmouth - where Havertz rose above Donnarumma to head into an empty net.
If the Emirates Stadium was rocking before the goal, it was now sending shockwaves across the capital - both sets in full voice for very differing reasons.
Nine minutes later saw the visitors' best chance of the game until that point, as Nuno Mendes saw a speculative effort from range denied by the outside of the far post.
Just minutes later, Mendes' opposite number, Achraf Hakimi, who had the beating of Riccardo Calafiori as he made a dangerous run down the right flank and into the box - but David Raya was on hand to deny the Moroccan with an excellent save.
PSG could not sustain their mid-half rejuvenation, however, and Arsenal found themselves two to the good ten minutes from the break thanks to captain Saka.
The Hale End graduate sent a powerful free-kick goal-wards and, after confusion in the box, the ball was unchallenged as it nestled in the back of the net, beating every player.
The half ended without further drama as Arteta's side took a well-deserved two-goal lead into the break - but the contest was far from decided.
PSG push for a way back
Enrique's side, with a small mountain to climb, emerged for the second half with renewed desire as they began to enjoy their best spell of the game.
This period, for all its promise, provided the visitors with no chances of note and, before long, it was Arsenal who came close to adding a third.
Martinelli received a perfectly weighted pass in the box from Saka, but his powerful close-range effort was sent straight into Donnarumma's hands - allowing for a comfortable, though important, save.
Chances from here on out were few and far between and, despite PSG's continued attempts to get back into the game, the Arsenal defence held firm as the Gunners saw out a comfortable 2-0 win.
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Player of the match - Bukayo Saka
Although the easy choice, Saka was at the forefront of almost everything good for Arsenal and, on another day, good have had several goals and assists for his efforts.
