Arsenal 3-1 Stoke City: Ozil, Walcott and Iwobi on target as Gunners go top - 5 things we learned

Charlie Adam had given Stoke the lead at the Emirates but Arsenal hit back to leapfrog Chelsea and make a real statement of intent ahead of a busy festive period

Arsenal came from behind against Stoke to go top of the Premier League.

The Gunners hit back to claim a victory by the two goal margin they knew would see them leapfrog Chelsea.

Charlie Adam gave Stoke the lead from the spot in the 29th minute after Granit Xhaka was adjudged to have caught Joe Allen with his elbow in the box.

But Arsenal levelled through Theo Walcott three minutes before half-time and Mesut Ozil headed them 2-1 up four minutes after the restart.

Sub Alex Iwobi sealed the win in the 75th minute, six minutes after he came on, following a one-two with Alexis Sanchez.

1. Arsenal show character to go top

Arsenal blew their chance to go top last time they had the opportunity.

They were denied pole position when they were held to a draw by Tottenham a month ago.

But this time they weren't found wanting as they secured the victory by a two-goal margin they needed to reach the Premier League summit, even if it is just for 24 hours.

That they had to come from behind to do it was another sign they possess the character to last the pace this time round.

Stoke, disciplined in defence and a threat on the break in the first half, asked the question when they took the lead but Arsenal responded well to claim all three points.

2. Mason gets penalty call right

Arsene Wenger and Arsenal fans may not have liked Lee Mason's decision to award Stoke a penalty but it was the right one.

Mason pointed to the spot after Granit Xhaka caught Joe Allen with a trailing elbow after first winning the ball with his feet.

Mason was jeered off at the break while fourth official Paul Tierney got a felt the wrath of Wenger after his colleagues call.

But, although the elbow was part of Xhaka's follow through, it was still a reckless and dangerous challenge.

3. Gunners boost as Bellerin returns

Some players get even better and more important when they are out injured.

That is what has happened to Hector Bellerin.

The Spanish right-back made his comeback against Stoke after missing Arsenal's previous six games with an ankle injury.

In his absence Carl Jenkinson, Mathieu Debuchy and Gabriel have all tried to fill in for him.

But none of them can provide what Bellerin can. He came on after 25 minutes and by half-time it was crystal clear what Arsenal had been missing, especially going forward as he provided an instant outlet.

Bellerin set up Theo Walcott's equaliser and two other golden chances with his raids down the right.

4. Benched Bony left frustrated

Wilfried Bony must be wondering where he goes from here.

Not good enough for Manchester City and now not good enough to get in the team he hoped would rescue him from his Etihad nightmare.

Bony, who City paid £28m for only last January, appears to have swapped the City bench for the Stoke one.

He has started the last three games on the bench after scoring just twice since moving to the Potters, both in the same game against Swansea.

And he cut a dejected figure on the bench he didn't get off as both Marko Arnautovic and then Mame Biram Diouf were tasked with trying to get the goals.

5. Ozil makes his mark

Arsene Wenger wanted more goals from Mesut Ozil and he is certainly delivering.

His crucial goal against Stoke was his ninth Gunners strike of the season from 20 appearances, already beating his tally from last season.

The German playmaker scored eight last term from 46 games.

That is some improvement. Now Wenger will be hoping he has as much success persuading Ozil to sign a new contract.