Arsenal’s Premier League title challenge has its moment of ignition. Mikel Arteta and his players knew that this was all but a must-win showpiece and they would find a way to prevail, to clamber into second place and slash Liverpool’s lead at the top to a couple of points. Manchester City, who play at Brentford on Monday night, remain within striking distance of the summit. We have the prospect of a three-way shootout for the trophy.
Arsenal deserved to win on the balance of a frenetic game, mainly because of the way that they controlled the first half. But the manner of how they got themselves in front – decisively so – came as the surprise. Then again, it was that kind of wild afternoon, the kind to burn out managers.