Arsenal go top after cruising to win against Stoke

Arsenal went top of the Premier League after they cruised to a 3-1 win over Stoke at the Emirates Stadium.

Birthday boy Charlie Adam gave the visitors a dream start slightly against the run of play when he tucked away a penalty on 29 minutes after Joe Allen was fouled by Granit Xhaka.

But Arsenal were level just before the break however when substitute Hector Bellerin – who replaced the injured Shkodran Mustafi midway through the half – provided the assist for a lovely Theo Walcott goal on his 250th Premier League appearance.

The Gunners took the lead four minutes after the restart when Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain found Mesut Ozil whose delicious lobbed header gave Lee Grant little chance. Questions will be asked of Gianelli Imbula who played the German star onside.

The three points were secured 15 minutes before the end when substitute Alex Iwobi found the net following a good decision from referee Lee Mason to play advantage after the sensational Alexis Sanchez was fouled on the edge of the area.

It all means Arsene Wenger’s side leapfrog Chelsea – who host West Brom on Sunday – on goal difference while Stoke fall to 10th position.

The influence of Hector Bellerin: The Spaniard's introduction came in unfortunate circumstances when he replaced the injured Shkodran Mustafi midway through the first-half but ultimately his presence changed the match for Arsenal. The full-back showed much more ambition than his predecessor Gabriel Paulista by creating another viable option in attack for his side. His return from injury is a welcome boost and the Gunners will need him during a busy festive period.

Hector Bellerin (Arsenal) – Produced a classy performance on his return for Arsenal as he provided the equalising goal as well as fulfilling his defensive duties.

Arsenal: Cech 6, Gabriel 6, Mustafi N/A, Koscielny 7, Monreal 7, Coquelin 7, Xhaka 7, Walcott 8, Oxlade-Chamberlain 8, Ozil 8, Alexis 8. Subs: Giroud 6, Iwobi 7, Bellerin 8.

Stoke City: Grant 7; Johnson 6, M.Indi 5, Muniesa 5; Diouf 6, Adam 7, Imbula 6, Pieters 6; Shaqiri 5, Allen 7, Arnautovic 6. Subs: Crouch 6, Sobhy N/A, Ngoy N/A.

27’ - PENALTY TO STOKE! Allen is fouled inside the penalty area after a challenge from Xhaka and Lee Mason has no choice other than to point to the spot. Xhaka appears to catch Allen with an elbow to the face.

29’ - GOAL! Arsenal 0-1 Stoke: Adam, on his birthday, puts the visitors ahead, sending Cech the wrong way. What a start for Mark Hughes' side.

42’ - GOAL! Arsenal 1-1 Stoke: Walcott levels the score on his 250th Premier League appearance! It's a fantastic team goal. Sanchez finds Bellerin with a delicious ball to the flank and the full-back finds Walcott at the near post who finds the bottom corner of the net. That's more like it from the Gunners.

43’ - OVER! Sanchez finds the ball on the edge of the area, releasing a shot but failing to keep it down.

49’ – GOAL! Arsenal 2-1 Stoke: A stunning goal from the Gunners - Oxlade Chamberlain picks out Ozil who times his run perfectly to stay onside and sending a looping header over the top of Grant. Sublime.

71’ - CHANCE! Crouch straight into the action, winning a header from a corner at the far post! Cech does well to get down and make the save and Arsenal concede another corner.

75’ - GOAL! Arsenal 3-1 Stoke Iwobi extends the lead for Arsenal! Sanchez is brought down on the edge of the area, Lee Mason plays a good advantage as the substitute runs onto the loose ball and slides the ball into the corner of the goal.

Hector Bellerin has provided more assists than any other Premier League defender since the start of last season.

Charlie Adam is the fifth player to score a Premier League goal on his birthday this season (after Koscielny, Ozil, Nolito and Benteke).

Arsenal have scored a league-high six goals via substitutes this season.

Alexis Sanchez has had a hand in 26 goals in his last 26 Premier League appearances for Arsenal (18 goals, eight assists).