Arsenal thrash Paul Clement’s Swansea 4-0

Arsenal return to the top four after a resounding 4-0 win against Swansea

Arsenal returned to the top four with a handsome victory at Swansea City, consigning Paul Clement to a demoralising defeat in his first Premier League game in charge of the hosts.

Having initially been frustrated by their opponents, the Gunners led at half-time thanks to Olivier Giroud’s powerful, close-range finish.

Alex Iwobi’s strike looped in via a big deflection off Jack Cork to double their advantage, and Kyle Naughton scored a second Swansea own goal when he turned another Iwobi shot into his own net.

Alexis Sanchez completed the rout to lift Arsenal up to third in the table, while Hull’s win over Bournemouth means Swansea return to the bottom of the table.

Despite some encouraging signs early in the game, this was a stark reminder to former Bayern Munich assistant manager Clement of the enormous task faces to steer the Swans to safety.

By contrast, the ruthless nature of Arsenal’s display – particularly in an extremely one-sided second half – will surely give Arsene Wenger renewed hope of mounting a serious title challenge.