That was about as perfect a return from the international break Arsenal could have hoped for.
Mikel Arteta's side played host to Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday afternoon and, following losses for Liverpool and Manchester City, had a chance to extend their lead at the top of the Premier League table.
Fortunately, and unlike last season, the Gunners made the most of the opportunity, bulldozing their bitter rivals 4-1.
There were exceptional performances across the entire pitch for Arsenal, but one player really stood out, a player who could be on his way to becoming the new Ian Wright.
Arsenal's standout performers against Spurs
While every single player performed brilliantly for Arsenal on Sunday afternoon, Lenadro Trossard was once again one of the clear standouts.
The in-form Belgian was a huge attacking threat from the first minute to the 78th, when Noni Madueke replaced him, and it was his brilliant touch and strike that saw the Gunners take the lead.
He then provided an assist for the final goal of the game and made it abundantly clear that he should remain the starting left-winger for the foreseeable future.
Likewise, even if Viktor Gyokeres is fit to face Chelsea next week, there is a strong argument, made even more so by his display on Sunday, that Mikel Merino should keep his place leading the line.
The Spaniard didn't score against Spurs, but it was his incredible pass over the top of their backline that led to the opening strike.
Moreover, his constant dropping back into the midfield constantly gave Arteta's side a numerical advantage there and allowed his attacking teammates to find space further up the pitch.
Finally, he didn't get on the scoresheet either, but Declan Rice was utterly superb in the middle of the park and looked every bit the £105m monster the Emirates faithful hoped he'd be when they signed him.
The former West Ham United captain was here, there and everywhere. One minute he was winning the ball off a Tottenham player, and the next he was marauding through the middle of the park before laying it off for one of his teammates.
In fact, he provided the assist for the Gunners' second, and with three key passes on the night, could have easily picked up another.
With all that said, while every Arsenal player impressed against Spurs, one stood out above the rest, a player who could become the club's new Wright.
Arsenal's new Ian Wright
When it comes to the best player on the pitch against Spurs, it's impossible to ignore Eberechi Eze.
Thomas Frank might've been jokingly asking who he was before the game, but by full-time, he was well aware.
The Gunners' "unpredictable" summer signing, as dubbed by Rio Ferdinand, etched his name in North London Derby history with the first hat-trick in the game since Alan Sunderland in December 1978.
All three goals were excellent as well, with the first requiring some tidy footwork, the second coming off his weaker foot, and the third coming from the edge of the penalty area.
It was the sort of display that could truly kickstart his career at the club, and one that shows he can be just as effective as he is entertaining.
This is just one of the traits he shares with Gunners legend Wright, who not only became the club's top goalscorer during his playing days, but was also one of the most thrilling strikers to watch.
Moreover, like the North Londoners' new number ten, he played with a smile on his face and was clearly as in love with the club as the supporters were in love with him - just look at the reaction to his hat-trick.
On top of that, there is the Crystal Palace connection, with both players representing the South London club before making their move to N5 later in their careers than most.
Finally, both have played for England, and so long as he keeps his form up, the Gunners' new mercurial midfielder should play a key role for the Three Lions at the World Cup next year.
Ultimately, Arsenal have signed an exceptional game-winning player in Eze, and thanks to his personality, playstyle and love of the club, he could become a modern-day Wright.