The Spanish ace, who has just recovered from a hamstring injury, was introduced as a substitute after the interval to score twice in 16 minutes.

He opened the scoring seven minutes after his introduction when he converted a free-kick which he earned on the edge of the area five minutes past the hour mark.

Nine minutes from time, Fabregas doubled Arsenal's lead when he was released in the area by a deft Theo Walcott pass, to go one-on-one with the keeper and slot home.

Abou Diaby completed the away rout in the dying minutes with a precise low shot.

Now Arsenal are second on 38 points, but they would slip to third should Manchester United beat Hull City later on the same day.