By the full-time whistle, the scenes that greeted the half-time ping felt something of an illusion. Ultimately, this was a merited and handsome victory for Arsenal and the club's fourth in a row in all competitions.
Yet again, a late season riposte seems set to follow a mid-campaign crisis. In truth, the margin of victory might have been even greater had Jack Butland not made a series of second-half saves with his hands, body and feet. By the closing stages, Arsenal were in the groove on the field and supporters found their voice to tease old foes Stoke about 'going down' to the Championship.