Harry Arter wasted a glorious chance to give Cardiff the lead in the opening minutes following a dreadful mistake by keeper Petr Čech, and shortly afterwards Arsenal went ahead when Shkodran Mustafi powered home a header from a corner.

Victor Camarasa sparked joyous scenes when he hammered home for the hosts just before the break after getting the better of Nacho Monreal.

Arsenal restored their lead just past the hour mark when Mesut Özil and Lacazette combined well to tee up Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang to curl home from 18 metres, but once again Cardiff responded, with Danny Ward heading past Čech.

Lacazette sealed victory for Arsenal in the 81st minute when he was allowed to turn in the box by Sol Bamba before firing into the top corner from a tight angle.