As statements go, it was pretty profound.

Any 3-0 victory over Manchester United is likely to trigger seismic reverberations across the Premier League.

But the way Arsenal set about dismantling United in such ruthless fashion spoke volumes.

Arsenal breezed past Manchester United on Sunday, with Alexis Sanchez (left) scoring after six minutes

Mesut Ozil (centre) doubled the lead a minute later as Arsenal surged into a two-goal advantage over United

Sanchez (right) was in on the act again in the 19th minute with a blistering strike for 3-0 to Arsenal

For all their faults - and they have their fair share - this Arsenal team is ready, finally, to sustain a genuine title challenge.

It wasn't just the merciless way they obliterated Louis van Gaal's men with a breathtaking opening 20 minute attacking spell, but, equally, the way they banished the memory of last Tuesday's harrowing experience against Olympiacos.

So often Arsene Wenger has spoken about the character of his team; about their ability to conjure a performance when the chips are down.

Their response to last week's Greek tragedy was impeccable. Truly the stuff of champions.

Behind the scenes at the club's London Colney HQ last week; Wenger rammed home the importance of reacting to the Olympiacos defeat.

The Frenchman isn't one to lose his rag; but the Arsenal manager made crystal clear the performance against the Greeks was way below what's expected.

The squad hold team-meetings before and after every match, regardless of result or competition. Players are encouraged to constructively contribute during the meetings.

Yet, there was silence last Wednesday as Wenger made his point.

The Frenchman used last Wednesday's Olympiacos debrief to show his displeasure. He felt his team were pedestrian against Marco Silva's side, lacking the required intensity.

Publicly, he was adamant the decision to play David Ospina in goal was not the reason his team suffered the humiliation they did.

Privately, he was just as staunch; not blaming Ospina but instead his team's desire. It wasn't a Mike Bassett-style tirade. That's not Wenger's style.

It was a measured and calculated, yet forceful, diatribe against the players he backs to the hilt in public.

On evidence of Sunday's mauling of Van Gaal's men, it was certainly enough for the players to sit up and take notice.

Sanchez slides on his knees in front of jubilant Arsenal fans after his second goal and Arsenal's third

Manager Arsene Wenger has not won the Premier League title with Arsenal since 2004

The Arsenal players celebrate their resounding victory against United at The Emirates on Sunday

Similarly Wenger used Saturday's pre-match team meeting to press home the significance of responding to the embarrassment of last Tuesday night, whilst stressing the importance of drawing a line under the inept display.

He knew what message a win over United would muster. Likewise, he knew the implications of another home defeat.

Come May, Wenger may take a retrospective look at last week's briefings and view them as turning points in his side's season.

Everything clicked for the Gunners against United.

For instance, Aaron Ramsey is growing hugely frustrated at his role on the right-hand side this season, feeling he is better suited to a central role.

The Wales international has even expressed his views to Wenger - a risky game considering the wealth of midfield talent at the Frenchman's disposal.

Given the way Ramsey performed against United, the 24-year-old might find it harder to convince Wenger to give him the central role he craves.

But the Welshman's excellence against United wasn't isolated. To a man Arsenal produced a performance that underlines their commitment to their manager, Theo Walcott perhaps more so than anyone else.

Theo Walcott's display for Arsenal against united epitomised a team who is playing for its manager

Wenger didn't blame David Ospina (centre) after his error-strewn display contributed to defeat by Olympiacos

Aaron Ramsey (left) may not return to a central role after his impressive display on the right for Arsenal

Wenger insisted after Sunday's win that he'd always been convinced by Walcott's ability to play as a No 9.

However, just three days before the transfer window shut, Walcott's capacity to fill Arsenal's lone striker role remained a worrying issue for Wenger.

The England international, playing as a central striker, put in a sub-standard display in a narrow 1-0 win over Newcastle at St James' Park.

Behind the scenes, Wenger spoke of his fears over the viability of utilising Walcott in his preferred role to members of his backroom team. The club's move to sign forward Aleksandr Kokorin from Dynamo Moscow on deadline was a by-product of Wenger's apprehension.

Fast-forward six weeks; and Walcott's made the position his own. His performance against United, without scoring, was one of the best in his career.

Add Walcott and Ramsey to the talents of Alexis Sanchez and Mesut Ozil and you start to comprehend why Arsenal finally look ready to make a fist of winning the title.

It wasn't merely their attacking display against United that struck a chord, but more so their game management.

The game was won after 20 minutes; but with Arsenal you just never know. This time, though, Arsenal didn't go searching for a fourth, fifth or sixth.

They saw the game out in the way champions do. Wenger's attacking philosophy is something that should be celebrated; yet, in recent years, it's been used as a stick to beat him with.

But imagine how amazing it would be if a team built on the most attractive of footballing principles wins the Premier League.

Wenger's team look close to making that dream a reality.

Wenger's apprehension meant Arsenal made a late move to sign Russia striker Aleksandr Kokorin