Arsenal ended the transfer window basking in the elation of that 5-1 thrashing of champions Manchester City, as well as the role played in it by talented teenagers Myles Lewis-Skelly and Ethan Nwaneri.
The elephant in the room, as they still trail Premier League leaders Liverpool by six points having played a game more, is Arsenal's failure to bring in the reliable, recognised marksman most seasoned observers believe they need.
It is clearly a view shared by manager Mikel Arteta, hence the failed bid to prise England striker Ollie Watkins away from Aston Villa during this window.