The Emirates Stadium appeared somewhat empty as Arsenal moved back into the top three in the Premier League.

Some Gunners fans stayed away from the Thursday night clash, seemingly out of protest at the team's failure in the title race this season, and missed a quality brace from Alexis Sanchez in the 2-0 victory over West Bromwich Albion.

However, the 59,568 in attendance witnessed a brilliant performance from Sanchez who scored both goals in the first half to set up the comfortable triumph.

The Chilean opened the scoring in the sixth minute when he produced a wicked turn when receiving a pass from Aaron Ramsey well outside the area before firing low and hard beyond Ben Foster from range.

The second came just over 30 minutes later when Sanchez perfectly controlled his free-kick when curling it through the wall, aided by teammates Per Mertesacker and Olivier Giroud who swiftly shifted to permit the wobbling ball through.

Arsenal's victory was the club's 500th in the Premier League and allowed Arsene Wenger's men to move two points ahead of Manchester City while giving them a four-point buffer on fifth-placed Manchester United in the race for a Champions League spot.

However, the title chase still appears to be futile as the Gunners find themselves 10 points in arrears of league leaders Leicester City and five behind North London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

2015/16 Barclays Premier League - season scores

Arsenal: 2 (Alexis Sanchez 6'/38')
West Bromwich Albion: 0
Emirates Stadium, London - 59,568