Arsenal 4-1 Crystal Palace: 5 talking points

1) Give Özil whatever he wants

Can Wenger persuade Özil to stay?

Arsenal supporters must now be terrified of losing Özil after yet another magnificent performance by him today. Contract talks are likely to have begun with the German, but there is still no announcement on a new deal.

Just like Jack Wilshere, Mesut has just six months remaining on his existing contract and could potentially leave for free in the summer if he deems their offer is not good enough, or he is persuaded by approaches from elsewhere like Sanchez-bound Manchester United.

Arsenal need to get this deal over the line. If it means paying him £250,000-a-week, it needs to be done. They're already set to lose Alexis in this window to a rival and cannot afford to lose their two best players within a six-month time frame.

You could argue that there have been occasions where the creative midfielder has seemed disinterested and struggled in England since his deadline day move from Real Madrid in 2013. But right now, he has been Arsenal's best player when he's on the pitch and displayed some of his best form.

No-one can deny he's a wonderful player. His deft flicks, excellent passing range, dribbling and technical brilliance are a joy to watch - Arsenal are certainly reaping the benefits now.

Arguably more important to the Gunners than Alexis with their playing style, they simply cannot afford to lose him.