Arsenal put their recent problems to one side as a polished performance at fallen giants AC Milan gave them the upper hand in their Europa League last-16 tie.
The Gunners arrived at the San Siro on Thursday at arguably the lowest point of manager Arsene Wenger's 22-year reign, yet responded to a run of four straight defeats with a confident and controlled display against their Italian hosts, according to a BBC report.
Henrikh Mkhitaryan's first goal for the club put the Premier League side ahead, cutting in from the left to fire in with the aid of a deflection off Milan skipper Leonardo Bonucci.
Wenger spoke before the game about his team showing fight without compromising their attacking principles - and they delivered in a dominant first-half performance.
Aaron Ramsey deservedly doubled their lead before half-time, collecting Mesut Ozil's piercing pass through the centre of Milan's defence to round keeper Gianluigi Donnarumma and tap in.
Milan tried to up the tempo after the break, wasting a clear early chance to pull one back when Giacomo Bonaventura spooned over the bar.
But Arsenal were largely unruffled from then on, limiting the home side to half chances with a solid defensive effort.
The two away goals now make the Gunners firm favourites to reach the quarter-finals after next Thursday's second leg at Emirates Stadium.
"Overall it is important to win, but it is not qualification. We have to finish the job at home. I am happy with the spirit and response we gave," said Wenger.
"We were not in a position to take risks, but we could not be too cautious as you lose fluidity. We defended with resilience until the end."
