Arsenal’s home defeat by Premier League champions and title rivals Manchester City, which knocked them off the top of the standings, had all the characteristics of a season-defining occasion.
If it was, Arsenal’s performance since then has been genuinely amazing, and the 4-0 hammering of helpless Everton at Emirates Stadium provided electrifying proof that Arsenal is in this title hunt for the long haul.
Arsenal’s third consecutive win since City’s 3-1 setback clarifies the task ahead of them, as they are currently five points clear with 13 games remaining, the same as Manchester City.
Mikel Arteta’s team had been passing tests all season, demonstrating new steel and resilience to address lingering questions about their character, but the defeat to City at Emirates Stadium on 15 February felt different.
Arsenal had been pushing hard for a top-four finish, while City had been stumbling along far short of their best – but Pep Guardiola’s men elevated their game to put the Gunners away and inflict what felt like a big psychological blow.
How would Arsenal respond? What would Arteta say? Would the Gunners crumble, or could they rally in the face of such heartbreaking disappointment? In other words, would they keep their cool?
Many onlookers, including this one, questioned if this was the day Arsenal would buckle under the pressure of City, who had previously been successful over this course and distance.
After three potentially difficult tests away at Aston Villa and Leicester City, as well as at home against Everton, the answers have been delivered convincingly.
Villa were defeated because Arsenal simply refused to accept a single point, winning 4-2 in extra time. The Foxes were defeated 1-0, with the efficiency of vintage Arsenal teams. Everton were thrashed 4-0 with the fluidity that has defined their outstanding season.
There are three games. Three victories. Arsenal’s authority at the top of the Premier League has been restored.
