Arsenal's class of entertainers offered perfect stage to shine against sorry Sheffield United

Arsenal have become the Premier League’s entertainers - but on this occasion Sheffield United gave them the stage to do so.

Right from the off, you could see which way this game was going and by the time Martin Odegaard opened the scoring in the fifth minute, it could have already been 3-0.

In the end, it finished 6-0 and had Arsenal been even more ruthless they could have scored more.

The hosts made it easy for the Gunners, but credit must go to them for the way they took full advantage.

Arsenal are unlikely to get many easy nights in this title race, however they gave themselves one here by blowing the Blades away in the first 15 minutes.

Rice revels in advanced role

It is only the start of March, but this is already proving to be Declan Rice’s best season in front of goal.

The midfielder scored Arsenal’s fifth here to take his tally in the Premier League to five, which is a new career best for him.

The England international has spent much of the season playing at the base of midfield - and long-term he and Arsenal view that as his position - but right now he is relishing in advanced role.

Rice had a hand in the Gunners’ opener too, cutting the ball back for Odegaard to score, but a deflection meant he wasn’t credited with the assist.

The midfielder was Arsenal’s furthest forward player when he teed up Odegaard and he looks reborn with the freedom he now has.

Rice’s engine allows him to make an impact in both boxes, but by focusing his energy on going forward, Arteta seems to be getting the best out of him.

Saka forces Sheffield United into an early change - before making one himself

After just 15 minutes, Chris Wilder - like many of the home fans - had decided he’d seen enough.

By that point, Arsenal were three goals to the good and the Sheffield United manager had to change things.

Bukayo Saka was terrorising former Arsenal defender Auston Trusty so much that Wilder had to switch system.

Trusty was moved from left-back into a back-three and Ben Osborn came on at wing-back, with midfielder Oliver Norwood the one to make way.

It did little to slow Saka down and he helped himself to another assist as Arsenal raced into a five-goal lead by half-time.

The winger then came off at the break and supporters will be hoping that was simply him earning a well-earned rest.

With Saka in this kind of form, Arsenal cannot afford to be without him.

Perfect scenario for Jesus and Partey’s comebacks

As the run-in begins in earnest, Arteta wants to have a fully fit squad available to him.

Two players making their way back to fitness are Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey, with the game at Sheffield United turning into the perfect one for them.

With 25 minutes to go, Arsenal were 6-0 up and Arteta was able to give the pair the minutes they need.

Jesus has been out of action since January with a knee issue, while a thigh injury has sidelined Partey for four months.

The pair were eased in here, with this match already meandering to a close as they came on.

There will be far tough tests ahead for Arsenal, such as a trip to Manchester City at the end of this month, and Arteta will hope tonight was the start of Jesus and Partey making sure they are firing for that clash.