Arsenal finally seem to be finding their feet in the Premier League, and they seem to be doing it in some style.
The Gunners had a dreadful start to the season, but in the last three games they’ve really turned things around, culminating in a truly world-class performance against their bitterest of rivals, Tottenham Hotspur.
This north London derby is ultimately one that will live long in the memory of Arsenal supporters, but aside from the result, this is a showing that may go on to define the Arteta-era at the Emirates.
Now, we don’t want to get too ahead of ourselves, Arsenal still have a long way to go before they’re back to where they want to be, but it has to be said that things finally clicked for Arteta’s side this weekend.
For the first time in what feels like forever, Arsenal played with an identity and a gameplan, and they were simply dominant against decent opposition.
It’s no coincidence that this performance came the first time we’ve seen a fully-fit Arsenal side this season. This is a squad being built in Arteta’s vision, and when everyone is fit and available, that is what they can do.
Just look at who the standout performers were on the day. Bukayo Saka and Emile Smith Rowe, two youngsters Arteta has put a massive amount of faith in. Takehiro Tomiyasu, Aaron Ramsdale and Ben White, three summer signings Arteta reportedly pushed Edu to make, Arteta finally has a squad that he has played a massive part in building, and things may finally be coming together.
It was a breathtaking performance. Every player knew their role, the movement going forward was impossible to defend against and the players were once again playing with a smile on their faces.
Every now and then something just clicks for a team. Antonio Conte’s Chelsea clicked after they switched to a 3-4-3, Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool came into their own after Virgil van Dijk arrived, and there’s every chance could look back on this game as the moment things started to work for Arsenal under Arteta.
Yes, they’ve won an FA Cup under him already, but in terms of performances, the north London derby victory is arguably the best we’ve seen Arsenal play since Arsene Wenger left.
If the Gunners play like that every week, they will once again be contenders, and while there’s no guarantee that they will be consistent, we’ve now seen a glimpse of what is possible under this regime.
In a few years’ time, perhaps we’ll look back at Sunday’s game as the moment everything started to go right for Arteta.
Arsenal have trusted the process, and they may finally be about to start benefitting from it.
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
