Thierry Henry provided the magic, while Robin van Persie applied the added inspiration, as Arsenal produced a sparkling display to defeat Sunderland 3-1 at Highbury.
Van Persie struck his fifth goal in four games, and his third against Sunderland this season, after just 13 minutes before Henry was on target to cap a flowing counter-attack before half-time.
Sunderland gave the home side a few nervous moments by pulling a goal back with 15 minutes left through Alan Stubbs but Henry, who had earlier struck the post with an incredible overhead kick, settled the game with an accomplished finish.
The visitors, who have won just five points out of a possible 60 under McCarthy in two seasons in the Premiership, must have feared the worst from the start, having lost to Arsenal's reserves in the Carling Cup only recently.
Van Persie scored twice at the Stadium of Light and while Jose Antonio Reyes squandered the Gunners' first chance at Highbury, shooting into the side netting rather than squaring the ball to Henry, the Dutchman was soon on target again.
Sol Campbell, who is looking to regain his England place for next weekend's friendly against Argentina, played a superb long ball from the back, which van Persie chested down.
The Dutchman hardly broke stride before powering a half-volley past 18-year-old keeper Ben Alnwick, who was making his Premiership debut as a replacement for under-fire Kelvin Davis.
It was only a matter of time before the second breakthrough came and it was Henry who tapped the ball home from close range on 36 minutes.
Van Persie was again an integral figure, flicking Robert Pires' pass into the path of Lauren, who delivered an excellent low cross which, via a slight deflection, ran straight into Henry's path. The Frenchman made no mistake from close range and Sunderland were left with a mountain to climb.
Even with two changes at the break, as Stephen Elliott and Anthony Le Tallec came on for Jonathan Stead and Gray, the visitors' early second-half pressure resulted only in a header deflected wide from Stubbs.
Back came Arsenal with thrilling pace and penetration, with Henry flicking a long punt forward into the path of van Persie, who raced clear of the Sunderland defence only to miscue his shot as he attempted to chip Alnwick.
As van Persie caught the eye, Henry produced the true magic with the overhead kick that took the breath away as it rattled the woodwork. Only he would have attempted anything so audacious, or even come close to pulling it off.
Sunderland then forced their way back into the game as Caldwell headed down a corner for Stubbs to spin onto inside the penalty area and bury his shot past Jens Lehmann.
Their hopes of forcing a shock draw lasted just seven minutes before Cesc Fabregas' excellent through-ball set Henry through and the striker finished with aplomb.
