Arsenal cockily placed one foot in the semifinals of the Europa League as Alexandre Lacazette and Aaron Ramsey both scored twice in a 4-1 win over CSKA Moscow at home.
In one of Arsenal's most convincing displays of the season, they took the lead after nine minutes when Ramsey finished well from a Hector Bellerin cross. CSKA exploited some poor defending to level through Aleksandr Golovin's beautiful free-kick but a penalty from Lacazette, his second in five days, pushed the hosts back in front.
The magnificent Mesut Ozil (who won the penalty) then took charge. He set up Ramsey for one of the goals of the season as the midfielder lifted a delicate lofted volley over Igor Akinfeev with the outside of his boot and then played in Lacazette for a second of his own.
Ramsey hit the post in search of his hat-trick but the real signifier of the gulf in class was an exuberant and indulgent Ozil masterclass that has Arsenal set fair for the last four.
Positives
Arsenal can basically start planning for the semifinals after a glorious attacking display. Chances were created by the ton and at times, Arsenal's football was truly sublime. On this form they surely have the Europa League final in their sights.
Negatives
There were a fair few empty seats on display again, though not as many as for the Stoke game at the weekend. In terms of performance, Arsenal always looked shaky at the back and will need to much tighter if and when they face more accomplished opposition.
Manager rating out of 10
8 -- Wenger admitted he had taken a small gamble when starting the returning Lacazette but it paid off nicely. Putting his best resources into the Europa League is working and this was a thrilling attacking display of the finest Wenger tradition. Using Ramsey, Xhaka and Wilshere in a three-man midfield continues to pay dividends.
Player ratings (1-10; 10 = best. Players introduced after 70 minutes get no rating)
GK Petr Cech, 6 -- Couldn't do a great deal about the free-kick and stood up to the challenge when his defence opened up for CSKA.
DF Hector Bellerin, 7 -- Had plenty of chances to get forward and combined well in attack, particularly when setting up Ramsey's opener.
DF Laurent Koscielny, 5 -- Was rested at the weekend to keep him fresh but made a big error when charging out from the back to give away the free-kick that Golovin curled home. Unconvincing.
DF Shkodran Mustafi, 5 -- While Arsenal excelled at the other end of the pitch, he floundered. Mustafi was culpable in the build-up to the equaliser and looked panicked every time Ahmed Musa started showing his pace.
DF Nacho Monreal, 6 -- Wasn't the worst player at the back for Arsenal but the unit as a whole malfunctioned.
MF Granit Xhaka, 7 -- The midfielder's probing passing was effective in allowing Arsenal to establish their dominance, but he was less effective when trying to shield a vulnerable defence.
MF Aaron Ramsey, 9 -- A wonderful performance topped by a goal of the very highest quality. Had a strike disallowed after seven minutes but scored two before the break, the second of which was a unique moment of brilliance as he volleyed a looping effort over Akinfeev with the outside of his boot. Should have had a third when he cracked one off the post but still, he enjoyed a special night.
MF Jack Wilshere, 6 -- It didn't quite click for Wilshere as a few passes went astray and he struggled to have the impact of some of his teammates.
FW Henrikh Mkhitaryan, 7 -- Signalled his intent with a firm shot into the side netting after four minutes and helped grease the wheels of Arsenal's stylish dominance. Missed a huge chance for a goal early in the second half and it was a shame when injury forced him off after 61 minutes.
FW Mesut Ozil, 9 -- A masterclass from a player who found the opposition to be a few rungs below his level. After winning the penalty, he produced two assists before half-time with sublime passes for Ramsey and Lacazette. The show continued after the break with superb passes and one outrageous dummy. Simply untouchable.
FW Alexandre Lacazette, 8 -- Relished his return to the starting XI with a vibrant performance. Put Arsenal back in front from the spot and produced a lovely finish for his second. Got a deserved ovation when coming off after 74 minutes.
Substitutes
FW Alex Iwobi (for Mkhitaryan, 61), 6 -- Passed up what looked a perfect chance to score when played in by Ozil as he tried to square for Lacazette.
MF Mohamed Elneny (for Wilshere, 74), NR -- Helped to see the game out.
FW Danny Welbeck (for Lacazette, 74), NR -- Went close to a goal of his own.