FC Basel vs. Arsenal: Score and Reaction from 2016 Champions League Match

Arsenal pulverised FC Basel in the UEFA Champions League in Switzerland, with Lucas Perez scoring a hat-trick in a 4-1 victory in Group A on Tuesday night.

The north London giants won the group as Paris Saint-Germain failed to beat Ludogorets Razgrad in the French capital. 

Lucas gave the Gunners the early lead after only seven minutes, and he grabbed his second strike minutes later, as Alexis Sanchez linked with Kieran Gibbs for both efforts.

The attacker completed his hat-trick at the start of the second half, and Alex Iwobi added his name to the scoresheet as Sanchez and Mesut Ozil pulled the strings.

Seydou Doumbia claimed a consolation for Basel late in the game, but it was a poor performance from the RotBlau, who were second best in every position.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger handed rare starts to Rob Holding and Lucas in Switzerland, as Granit Xhaka faced off against his brother, Taulant Xhaka.

Steven Gerrard highlighted the strength of Arsenal's core before kick-off, as Wenger attempts to guide his men deep into the competition, per BT Sport Football:

The Premier League team were out the blocks fastest, with the Swiss caught in Arsenal's headlights.

The ball was in the back of the net in quick succession as the Gunners took a 2-0 lead within 16 minutes through Lucas.

Sanchez twice found Gibbs streaking down the left, and the defender fed the Spanish attacker for simple finishes.

Afcstuff highlighted the goalscorer's efficiency:

Bleacher Report UK's James McNicholas tipped his hat to Arsenal's early hero:

The club's official Twitter feed also praised Lucas' work and contribution:

Basel attempted to push into Arsenal territory, but their adventure was limited to sporadic attacks. The hosts appeared languid and lacked the penetration needed to hurt the Gunners defence.

The visitors were relaxed through until the half-time break, and Wenger appeared calm as his team headed off at the interval.

The game was over as a spectacle just one minute after the restart. Arsenal burst through the centre as they went hunting in packs.

Sanchez was once again the creative force, finding Lucas in the channel, and the Spanish player smashed his effort home to claim his hat-trick.

McNicholas posed an important question for the Gunners boss:

FABRICE COFFRINI/Getty Images

Arsenal were now rampant, and a fourth was added on 53 minutes. Iwobi was on the spot as Sanchez found Ozil, and the German created a tap-in for the 20-year-old to obtain his goal.

WhoScored.com hailed Ozil's form in the Champions League:

FABRICE COFFRINI/Getty Images

Basel simply did not have the quality to beat an Arsenal team who were relaxed and playing their best football of the season.

Doumbia gave the home fans a moment to savour as he found the net for Basel, but the visitors were home and dry with plenty of time on the clock.

It was a simple night for Wenger's unit, but they delivered an attacking performance worthy of their stature in the English game.

Ozil and Sanchez were untouchable in Switzerland, proving they are two of the best attackers in the world on any given day.

Post-Match Reaction

Wenger was delighted with his team's performance as they leapfrogged PSG in the standings, per the club's official Twitter feed:

Arsenal win the group with 14 points from six matches, while the French champions finish two points behind in second place.