Anything other than victory against Ludogorets would have lead many to suggest Arsene Wenger was about to see his side produce their annual crumble a little early this year. Instead, the Gunners were on fine form as they walked all over the Bulgarian champions at the Emirates to jump towards qualification for the last 16 of the Champions League.

An unnecessarily exciting first half will have had Wenger a little concerned. Despite the Gunners leading for much of the half, their opponents were able to create numerous opportunities and the game was rather open. It could have been construed as naive, until Theo Walcott doubled the Gunners' lead just before half-time.

Further goals followed for Arsenal, as they built a cushion that allowed Wenger to rest his key players in the knowledge that their work was done for the night. Arsenal's fans could be finally getting the reward for years of heartache, with a team that looks capable of challenging on multiple fronts.

Here are five of the things we learned from their emphatic win...

No longer the Arsenal of old

When things were looking rosy for previous Arsenal sides, they often found a way to mess it all up. Although the Gunners could still manage to malfunction in the return game against Ludogorets, their emphatic victory is the reflection of a team that looks far superior to any Arsenal side in the last few years.

As the game pinged from box to box during the first half, it would've been easy for the Gunners to let their lead slip. But their ability to hold on during a sticky period saw them through with a great win.

Ozil's finishing touch

The greatest criticism of Mesut Ozil has always been his goal tally. Often registering enormous assist numbers, Ozil has found a scoring touch this season and it is making a real difference to Arsenal this year.

Completing his first career hat-trick against the Bulgarian side was the icing on top of a wonderful team display for the Gunners.

Ox's chance

With the current magical youngster, Alex Iwobi, given a rest, Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain was allowed an opportunity in the starting line-up and the former Saint took it.

Getting a rare goal, Chamberlain slotted into the side with miraculous ease and showed that he is waiting in the wings should Iwobi or Walcott become unavailable.

Golden Boy

The years of not signing a striker have seen Arsenal face endless criticism. That criticism must finally come to an end.

It's not because of Jamie Vardy, Lucas Perez or Olivier Giroud, but Alexis Sanchez. The former Udinese forward was one of the world's most promising young players when in Serie A and, via a dull spell with Barcelona, has realised his potential as a world-class front-man.

Now providing the link-up play, free roaming movement and clinical finishing that Arsenal require from a striker, Alexis looks like one of the world's hottest properties.

Wenger's cracked it

It took a few years admittedly, but it looks like Wenger has finally answered the questions about Arsenal's squad.

In Francis Coquelin and Granit Xhaka, the defensive midfield issue has been quietened, the attacking players have been balanced and Shkodran Mustafi makes them as defensively secure as they have been in the last decade.

His hand has been forced due to injuries for many of these decisions, but Wenger has at long last hit on the perfect blend.