When the Arsenal spotlight falls on Jack Wilshere, it's one of the most stirring sights in English football.
For one night, a Champions League night at that, this impish figure with the responsibility of wearing Arsenal's No 10 shirt was at his tantalising best.
His curler over Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda, after just 29 seconds, was executed in bewildering slow-motion. It was a beaut.
What a start: Jack Wilshere wheels away after scoring after just 29 seconds
Many of them didn't even see it, still filing into the Emirates after hurriedly making their way from the Tube station.
At least they were there for his second, a tap-in from Mesut Ozil's neat ball from the outside of his left boot in the 65th minute.
'Super Jack' they sang in tribute and at times it was hard not to join in. It was a special performance.
After this it seems crazy to say it, but the best team in the group could still go out of the Champions League on December 11 in Naples. Go figure.
Football can be so cruel and yet Arsenal could exit the tournament and find their way into the Europa League draw in Nyon five days later.
At this moment it feels like it would be a travesty, particularly when they have players capable of supplying some of the best goals in the game.
Wilshere's opening goal was a peach as he cut inside, leaving Lucas Mendes to slide on to his backside and curling the ball over Mandanda with his left foot.
For those of a certain age, there were some similarities with Glenn Hoddle's glorious chip against Watford way back in September 1983 at Vicarage Road.
When Arsenal play like this they make the game look easy. They are a joy to watch right now.
Pick that one out: Wilshere's left-footed curler eluded Marseille keeper Steve Mandanda
Super fan: Thierry Henry was in the stands and celebrated after Wilshere found the back of the net
Every pass had purpose. Every move was part of a bigger picture, a masterplan to take them speeding towards Mandanda's goal.
It was all so intricate as they stretched Marseille, making them visit every area of the pitch before they could return to the south of France. They were made to cover every blade of grass.
Arsenal worked the opposition hard, operating at a different level to Elie Baup's team after converting another three points.
This was an exhibition for long periods as Arsenal teased and tormented Mario Lemina and Alaixys Romao in the centre of Marseille's midfield.
Game over: Wilshere converted his second goal of the night to ensure Arsenal grabbed all three points
Cracker jack: Wilshere celebrates his brace at the corner flag in front of the home faithful
They were pulled all over the place, frequently leaving their stations as Aaron Ramsey, Tomas Rosicky and Wilshere launched ceaseless attacks.
Wenger's players were pleading for the ball, demanding a touch as they went in search of more. One, given to them by Wilshere’s sublime curler in the first minute, was never enough.
It never will be for Arsenal. They have been brought up a different way, working under a manager who demands the maximum from his players in every match.
There is more to come from Ozil. He's having a tough time of it at the minute, struggling to adapt fully to the Arsenal way.
He was given a break from international action last week by Germany coach Joachim Low and yet he is still laboured and lacking energy. He looks fatigued.
Not so fast: Mesut Ozil (left) saw his penalty saved by Steve Mandanda in the first half
Boys on the bench: Nicklas Bendtner took his seat among the substitutes
Me too: England winger Theo Walcott also returned to the squad after a lengthy layoff with injury
Carrying weight of expectation: Olivier Giroud tries to shake off Marseille defender Mario Lemina
His touch deserted him in the first half, losing possession when the smart money said he would being the ball down and slip it beyond Mandanda.
His beauty against Napoli, when Arsenal beat Rafa Benitez's side 2-0 here on October 1, feels like such a long time ago.
Poetry in motion: Neat work on the right led to Wilshere (No 10) opening the scoring early on
Surge: Wilshere (centre) tries to eek out another opportunity with Aaron Ramsey
Happy? Arsene Wenger watched an efficient display by his slick Arsenal side at the Emirates
Back in the game: England and Arsenal fans will be happy to see Walcott back on the pitch
Wilshere showed him how to do it in the second half to cap a special display.
Marseille then came back into it a bit and Wojciech Szczesny in the Arsenal goal had to make a couple of saves but by and large it was easy for the hosts.
Next time out in Naples promises to be much harder.
Job done: Per Mertesacker and his team-mates salute the home crowd after sealing the victory
Star turn: Wilshere will want to score more goals this season after notching up his third and fourth
HELPING HAND FROM BAUP
Marseille’s starting XI showed just how little coach Elie Baup cared about a competition in which his club could no longer progress.
‘It’s a B team,’ one French journalist said in the media room ahead of kick-off.
That would no doubt have come as a pleasant surprise to Wenger, in need of a victory to avoid a sticky final match away to Napoli.
ARSENE'S HERE TO STAY... FOR NOW
News emanating from the French capital regarding a possible two-year contract extension for Paris Saint-Germain manager Laurent Blanc (below) will have been of major interest to Arsenal.
They remain confident that Arsene Wenger will sign a new contract to keep him at the club beyond the summer, when his current deal expires.
PSG’s previous attempts to persuade him to return home have always been a major concern to Arsenal.
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