Mesut Ozil made the assists for all three goals as Arsenal produced a strong performance to defeat Stoke City 3-1 at the Emirates Stadium in the Premier League.

The home side took the lead in the fifth minute when Amir Begovic could only palm Ozil's free kick into the path of a gleeful Aaron Ramsey, who tapped the ball home from close range.

Geoff Cameron levelled in the 26th minute after Marko Arnautovic's effort cannoned back off the post.

Erik Pieters kept the scores level as he cleared Per Mertesacker's header off the line, but the German defender restored Arsenal's lead when he rose highest at a corner to nod home just a minute later.

Serge Gnabry - brought into the side at the last minute to replace the injured Theo Walcott - and Olivier Giroud both tested Begovic in the second period before Bacary Sagna wrapped up all three points.

Once again it was Ozil who got the assist, as his out-swinging free kick was met by Sagna, whose looping header dropped into the corner of the net.

Ramsey had the chance to grab another goal in injury time, but Begovic stood tall and palmed his fierce effort over the bar.