3 reasons why Arsenal's attack is firing on all cylinders

Wednesday's most dominant Champions League display belonged to Arsenal after the north London outfit channeled Saturday's stellar form against Chelsea into a similar performance versus FC Basel at the Emirates.

With the 2-0 victory, Arsenal moves top of Group A alongside Paris Saint-Germain, which came from behind in Bulgaria to top Ludogorets 3-1.

Were it not for Basel shot-stopper Tomas Vaclik - who made seven massive saves - it could have been far worse for the visitors. It was an especially one-sided showing in the opening half, when the Gunners outshot their opponents 12-2 and dwarfed the Swiss in chances created 10-1.

That's four wins on the trot for Arsenal across all competitions. Here's a look at three reasons why:

Sanchez playing up top

Save for a straightforward League Cup tilt with Nottingham Forest, Alexis Sanchez has become a mainstay up top in Arsene Wenger's new-look lineup. Outside of an uncharacteristic second-rate showing in a 4-3 defeat to Liverpool, it's proved an inspired choice.

Wednesday, he and Theo Walcott combined for a first-half pair, with the tireless Chilean playing provider for the club's longest-serving player to good results.

To take nothing away from Olivier Giroud, Arsenal appears a more dangerous side with Sanchez up top. As energetic in attack as he is indefatigable when tracking back, Sanchez caused Basel centre-half trio Marek Suchy, Taulant Xhaka, and Eder Balanta similar worries to those that kept David Luiz and Gary Cahill from sleeping Saturday night.

The return of Walcott

With five goals in all competitions, Walcott is well on his way to eclipsing last season's total of seven, and for good reason; he appears a player reborn.

On the wing opposite Alex Iwobi, the two pacey attackers have thrived playing in part of a front four with Sanchez and Mesut Ozil. Speed kills, and if Ozil continues to play the inspired football he displayed against Chelsea with Iwobi, Walcott, and Sanchez outpacing defenders, Arsenal should be a force to reckon with both domestically and on the continent.

Before coming off in the 70th minute for fellow England international Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain, Walcott had himself quite the match: four shots, two goals, two chances created, and a pair of take-ons coupled with 82 percent passing accuracy.

Walcott now has 13 Champions League goals for Arsenal, third only to Robin van Persie (18) and Thierry Henry (35). Not bad for a player who the majority of Arsenal supporters wanted to sell in the summer - a crowd that's grown noticeably reticent.

Cazorla's quiet dominance

Imagine for a moment being Santi Cazorla. You're one of Europe's craftiest middle-of-the-park men, dictating matches like a midfield metronome, and still, in discussions about the sport's best, you're an afterthought.

After a hamstring injury ended his last season on the fateful East Anglian visit against Norwich City, Cazorla has reminded the Gunners faithful what could have been - and Wednesday, he was nothing short of brilliant.

Slotted in alongside Granit Xhaka, Cazorla starred against Basel, converting 90 percent of his passes paired with four successful take-ons - and these aren't Mikel John Obi's trademark back passes. These are influential and incisive balls that kick-start attacks. His 94 touches were the most of any player on the pitch.

Lethal as a box-to-box midfielder, Cazorla's performance against Basel was his third exemplary effort this campaign after dominant displays in victories over Southampton and Watford. Jack Wilshere may fancy making his south coast sabbatical a permanent deal if Bournemouth boss Eddie Howe will have him.