Martin Odegaard blasted Arsenal back to the top of the Premier League with a double in a 3-1 win against struggling Chelsea on Tuesday.
Mikel Arteta’s side lost control of the title race after last week’s 4-1 defeat at Manchester City.
But the Gunners signalled their intention to push City all the way to the wire with a much-needed first win in five games.
Odegaard’s brace was followed by a Gabriel Jesus strike as the hosts raced into a three-goal before half-time at the Emirates Stadium.
Noni Madueke’s second half goal was no consolation for Chelsea’s wretched performance.
Arsenal are now two points clear of second-placed Manchester City, and while Pep Guardiola’s side remain favourites to win the league, the north Londoners have put some pressure on the champs.
If City beats West Ham at home on Wednesday, the first of their two games in hand on Arsenal, they will reclaim first position.
Arsenal fell to second place after ten weeks at the top following City’s win over Fulham on Sunday.
Arsenal have been written off as title contenders after three consecutive draws, including two blown two-goal leads, and the disastrous loss at City.
But Arteta insisted this week that the title was still winnable and his players responded to the Spaniard’s rallying cry.
Troubled Chelsea were ideal opponents for Arsenal to get back on track before a tricky trip to Newcastle on Sunday.
The Blues have now lost all six games since Frank Lampard returned as caretaker boss to replace the sacked Graham Potter.
Languishing in 12th place, Chelsea are on an nine-game winless run in all competitions and face the prospect of failing to finish in the top half of the table for the first time since 1996.