Aston Villa completed a league double over Arsenal last season but the Gunners went some way to exacting revenge with a comprehensive victory in north London.
Mikel Arteta's side failed to score against the Midlands outfit last term, but more than made up for that with a 3-1 victory at the Emirates.
It was no more than they deserved with Arsenal as brilliant as Villa were poor, especially in the first-half.
The hosts went in two goals to the good at the break thanks to Thomas Partey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.
Dean Smith made some tweaks at half-time and saw a reaction from his side, but Emile Smith Rowe's deflected effort on 56 minutes killed any hopes of a comeback.
Jacob Ramsey's fine late effort was little more than a consolation.
Arsenal are clearly on something of a journey and they have spoken about the need for patience, but performances like this will convince the players and the Emirates faithful that they are on the right path.
