4-0 win, Arsenal returns to the top group

A 4-0 victory at Swansea helped Wenger's team return to the top of the table on the evening of January 14.

Giroud opened the scoring for Arsenal. Photo: Reuters.

Goals: Giroud (37'), Cork (own goal 54'), Naughton (own goal 67'), Sanchez (73').

After a difficult start, Arsenal opened the scoring late in the first half thanks to Olivier Giroud's close-range finish. The French striker has scored in each of his last five appearances for Arsenal.

In the second half, Alex Iwobi contributed to both of Arsenal's next goals but failed to get his name on the scoreboard. First, Iwobi's cross hit Jack Cork's foot and flew over goalkeeper Fabianski's head. Next, Kyle Naughton assisted Arsenal with a touch that looked like a finish after Iwobi had shot the ball.

The match ended 4-0 after a quick finish by Alexis Sanchez. This was also Sanchez's 14th goal in the Premier League, taking him to the top of the list of top scorers with Chelsea's Diego Costa.

A big win over Swansea lifted Arsenal into third place with 44 points. Wenger's side are level on points with Liverpool but are ahead on goal difference. Liverpool will move above them if they avoid defeat at Man Utd on Sunday.

Meanwhile, Swansea are back in their usual bottom position. In the same match, Hull beat Bournemouth 3-1 to push the Welsh side down to 20th. This is new manager Paul Clement’s first Premier League game and he has felt the pressure of the relegation race immediately.

Alexis Sanchez scored his 21st goal in his last 32 Premier League matches. Photo: Reuters.

Away form is the factor that has caused Arsenal to lose steam in the title race in recent rounds. In the last three away matches in the Premier League, Arsenal have only won one point. In the match against Swansea, it seemed like Arsenal would repeat the above situation, but they won thanks to their ability to make the most of their opportunities.

Ozil returned to the starting lineup and made his mark on the opening goal with a header that the Swansea defender cleared to Giroud. The French striker certainly did not miss this opportunity, considering his recent sharpness. Giroud has scored 12 goals in just 17 shots, a terrifying efficiency that does not resemble a striker who is criticized by his own fans as "wooden legs".

Giroud's goal changed the whole game. If Swansea had been playing poorly and Arsenal were confused before, the opening goal turned the game completely in the visitors' favour. Luck was on Arsenal's side for the second and third goals, but that was also a natural result when Wenger's students controlled the entire area in front of Swansea's 18m50 area.

Alexis Sanchez rounded off the scoring to make it 4-0. The Chilean striker continued to show his worth as a key player despite his contract with the club being the subject of recent speculation.

According to VNE