NORWICH, England: Arsenal thrashed champions bottom team Norwich City 5-0 on Sunday, with Bukayo Saka's brace helping them win as they cemented their fourth spot in the Premier League.
Saka opened the scoring early before Kieran Tierney added another just before the break. The England forward had a brace midway through the second half, while Alexandre Lacazette, with a penalty, and Emile Smith Rowe sealed victory.
Highlight Norwich City 0-5 Arsenal in Premier League
The win puts Arsenal on 35 points from 19 games after their fourth straight win, just over two years since coach Mikel Arteta's first game in charge of the Gunners.
They are leading by six points over fifth-placed Tottenham Hotspur, even though their London rivals have three games in hand.
“It was a very gratifying result because during this festive period we had to keep the performances at a high level,” said Arteta. "We look really sharp and dedicated.
"It was a big win for us. The amount of chances we created was amazing. We went everywhere to try and impose our game. Today really was a prime example. ."
The visitors took the lead in the sixth minute thanks to Saka, who swiped the ball past goalkeeper Angus Gunn, who was making his Premier League debut, after a neat pass that saw Martin Odegaard put the ball in the forward's path.
Arsenal continued to test Norwich's defense with Saka, who was dangerous with quick runs down the wing, and Gabriel Martinelli also created a threat as the Gunners dominated.
Norwich's last Boxing Day win was in 1987 so the signs are ominous for the struggling Canaries from the start.
However, it was not until halftime that Arsenal scored again when Scotland defender Tierney hit a dangerous low, in which Odegaard once again delivered a killer pass.
Norwich continued to play until the 67th minute but then the game opened when the visitors attacked three times.
England striker Saka scored Arsenal's third with another precise strike after deftly surging past Brandon Williams on the right edge of the area.
Lacazette was then fouled in the box by Ozan Kabak, and the Frenchman got up to take the penalty kick in the 84th minute.
Substitute Smith Rowe finished the game with a goal in extra time, leaving Norwich 10 points - three games behind fourth-placed Watford after playing two more.
