As Bukayo Saka dropped a shoulder and Gabriel Martinelli whipped out a Cruyff turn, visions of last season — before April, mind – crossed the Emirates.
It was all in the space of six minutes, and it is just the season’s first game. There are far more daunting tests to hurdle in the coming months before an accurate reflection can be surmised as to how far Arsenal have bridged the gap to Manchester City.
But on this showing, the same aspect shone through from the previous campaign: moments of individual brilliance.