There have been warning signs that legs are becoming heavy and bodies are beginning to ache. There have been matches in recent weeks when Arsenal have faded and second halves have become an exercise in survival.
Here in Holland, Arsenal did not so much tire after the break. They collapsed. And the brutal truth? They had already ridden their luck by then and, in the end, they were fortunate to escape with only a two-goal beating.
Five times PSV Eindhoven had the ball in Aaron Ramsdale’s net. Twice Arsenal were rescued by the assistant referee. Once they had VAR to thank for another close offside call.