Lukas Podolski grabbed a goal in each half as Arsenal secured a slick and clinical victory over Fulham in the teeming rain at Craven Cottage.
The Gunners, buoyed by a 3-0 midweek win over Fenerbahce in Champions League qualifying, were sharper early on and led through Olivier Giroud’s strike.
Podolski made it 2-0 with a measured 18-yard shot and then smashed home the visitors’ third after the break.
Substitute Darren Bent pulled one back from close range but Arsenal held on.